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United States | Southeast | California >> JLT Condor's Ian Bibby wins Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic

JLT Condor's Ian Bibby wins Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic

Ewan wins stage 3 with Orica rode well on the last two stages, but JLT were consistent over the 3 staged criteriums

Ian Bibby became the first British winner of Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic.

Brenton Jones (JLT Condor) sprinted to second behind Caleb Ewan (ORICA-Scott) on the final stage with Bibby finishing fourth in Williamstown and claiming the series overall.

Billed as one of the fastest criterium series in the world. The Bay Cycling Classic has produced notable big name winners including Tour de France green jersey holder, Robbie McEwen and Australian Mark Renshaw. The series which takes place across three locations over the New Year weekend, opens the Australian Summer of Cycling and is ideal preparation for riders to hone their form before the Australian National Championships on January 6th.

Ian Bibby is the first British winner of the Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic, and only the second non-Australian to win the men’s race. Switzerland’s Peter Steiger won the first edition in 1989.

“It’s fantastic,” said Bibby. “To start the year off like this has been really, really good. I’m really happy. If you told me this would happen last week, I would have laughed.”
Bibby assumed a surprise leadership role within his squad when Jones, his team leader, was involved in the crash that took out Ewan on day one. Second place in the Portarlington stage solidified Bibby’s lead on the yellow jersey.

“This course is the one I was worried about the most,” Bibby admitted. “I was a bit nervous and trying not to over-think it too much. I had faith in the lads.”

Stage 1 Results – Geelong

1. Ian Bibby (JLT Condor)
2. Jesse Kerrison (IsoWhey Sports-SwissWellness)
3. Matt Gibson (JLT Condor)

Stage 2 Results – Portarlington

1. Michael Hepburn (ORICA-Scott)
2.Ian Bibby (JLT Condor)
3.Matt Gibson (JLT Condor)

Stage 3 Results

1. 1 Caleb EWAN (Orica Scott)   1h00:00
2. 21 Brenton JONES (Condor JLT)   +0
3. 84 Mathew GIBSON (Condor)   +0
4. 26 Ian BIBBY (Condor JLT)   +4
5. 13 Anthony GIACOPPO (IsoWhey Sports SwissWellness)   +4
6. 42 Samuel SPOKES (Total Rush)   +4
7. 22 Ed CLANCY (Condor JLT)   +6
8. 5 Mitch DOCKER (Orica Scott)   +6
9. 25 Alex FRAME (Condor JLT)   +10
10. 24 Ali SLATER (Condor JLT)   +14

Overall General Classification

1. Ian Bibby (JLT Condor) – 29 points
2. Matt Gibson (JLT Condor) – 24 points
3. Caleb Ewan (ORICA-Scott) – 18 points

The team now move to Bendigo to begin their training camp in preparation for the New Zealand Cycle Classic (January 22-26) and Herald Sun Tour (February 1-5).

JLT Condors Ian Bibby wins Mitchelton Bay Cycling ClassicJLT Condors Ian Bibby wins Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic
JLT Condors Ian Bibby wins Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic