Ian Bibby (Madison-Genesis) seized victory on the team’s debut in the Norglide Elite Criterium at the IG London Nocturne.
The 2011 Premier Calendar champion, who last year rode for the all-conquering Endura Racing squad, led from start to finish and lapped most of the field on an indoor circuit at the London Bike Show.
Bibby told RoadCyclingUK that a closed season programme of cyclo-cross racing, which culminated with a second-placed finish at the national championships, had boosted his road form.
“I decided to go out really hard and see what happens. I got the gap straight away so I kept at it.
“I was regretting it half way through! I was feeling sick and suffering, but luckily it stayed away and paid off,” he said.
Bibby’s victory came just hours after the launch of the Madison Genesis team, which will be managed by Roger Hammond, a double British champion who spent seven years at cycling’s elite level, finishing on the podium 2004 Paris-Roubaix.
Bibby was pursued relentlessly by Pete Hawkins (Team IG-Sigma Sport), who launched a fine comeback effort after crashing early in the race.
Hawkins said he had been pleased by his performance, which he said signalled a return to better form in crit races than he had experienced last season, where his best efforts came in Premier Calendar events.
“I think it was about two or three laps in: I hit the deck on the final corner, basically got back up and tried to close the gap,” said Hawkins.
“I didn’t think I’d see the front of the race again, but I was feeling strong and started to pass guys.”
Paul Oldham (Hope Factory Racing), sixth at the recent national cyclo-cross championships, put in a strong ride to finish third on the indoor track in London.
The Yorkshireman, a former British cyclo-cross champion, made a determined effort at the end of another grueling ‘cross season.
“Tonight I felt really good. I wasn’t really looking forward to it at the end of the ‘cross season. I stayed on the front and chose my own lines,” he said.
A series of support races across the four-day racing programme drew hundreds of spectators.
Clémence Copie won the elite women’s race, while the Financial Times won the City criterium. Jim McConel of Madison took victory in the industry race.
The media race was won by Andy Waterman of Privateer Magazine. RCUK’s own Tim O’Rourke was third, pipped in a sprint for the line by Rob Cook.
London IG Nocturne – Norglide Elite Criterium – result
1) Ian Bibby (GBR) – Madison-Genesis – 33.48
2) Pete Hawkins (IRE) – Team-IG-Sigma Sport +15”
3) Paul Oldham (GBR) – Hope Factory Racing – ST
4) James Moss (GBR) – Team-IG-Sigma Sport +28”
5) George Pym (GBR) – Spin Rotor Primal C Originals – ST
6) Dean Downing (GBR) – Madison-Genesis – ST
7) Andrew Griffiths (GBR) – Team IG-Sigma Sport + 1 lap
8) Stuart Reid (GBR) – Wheelbase Altura MGD + 1 lap
9) Jack Adams (GBR) – Zappis Procycling + 1 lap
10) Antoine Guadillat (GBR) – Spin Rotor Primal C Originals +1 lap
