Tobyn Horton (Madison-Genesis) made it two wins in three days in the capital, following his Canary Wharf Tour Series victory by winning the London Nocturne elite men’s criterium.
Guernsey rider Horton, who admitted post-race his victories had been a long-time coming, burst clear of a four-man leading group on the final lap to win by several bike lengths.
The four-man group of Horton, James McCallum (NFTO Pro Cycling), Felix English (Madison-Genesis) and Adam Duggleby (Wheelbase Altura MGB) went clear early in the race, earning a decent gap.
Kristian House (Rapha Condor JLT) had set the early pace, while Mike Northey (Madison-Genesis) also pulled hard on the front early on.
But the large leading group – which had also included WorldTour riders Nathan Haas (Garmin-Sharp) and CJ Sutton (Team Sky) – was quickly fractured by the pace of the four on the front.
On several occasions the chasing group, which Team Raleigh led having missed the break, looked to be closing the gap only for the four to kick on again.
Each performed a big turn on the front, keeping their lead hovering between ten and 15 seconds throughout.
Raleigh dropped the hammer behind them, splitting the chasing group up as the lapped riders were called out from between the two groups.
However, as the laps ticked down, it became obvious the chase was to be in vain – the four on the front continuing to work keep a sizable lead.
McCallum had been distanced as the leaders took the bell – Horton and English hitting the front to earn a small lead.
With just three corners to go, Duggleby crashed out as Horton burst clear solo on the front.
And the Guernsey rider buried himself on the final lap to maintain a lead of several bike lengths over English – who would have been expected to prevail in a sprint.
Soon-to-retire James McCallum – who had enjoyed a solid showing on the front of the bunch in Canary Wharf too – crossed in third to enjoy a podium place in his final London Nocturne race.
London Nocturne 2014: Schwalbe Elite Men’s Criterium – result
1) Tobyn Horton (GBR) – Madison-Genesis
2) Felix English (IRL) – Rapha Condor JLT
3) James McCallum (GBR) – NFTO Pro Cycling
4) Ed Clancy (GBR) – Rapha Condor JLT
5) Andrew Tennant (GBR) – Madison-Genesis
6) Graham Briggs (GBR) – Rapha Condor JLT
7) Tom Scully (NZL) – Madison-Genesis
8) Adam Blythe (GBR) – NFTO Pro Cycling
9) Morgan Kneisky (FRA) – Team Raleigh
10) Mike Northey (NZL) – Madison-Genesis
