Matt Cronshaw takes victory at Leicester Castle Classic

Matt Cronshaw (Madison Genesis) edged to a thrilling sprint victory at the end of the Leicester Castle Classic, final round of the British Cycling Elite Road Series on Sunday.

The 26-year-old’s victory was well deserved by the Madison Genesis team, who had dominated almost every move in the 80-kilometre Kermesse-style race.

The result left the commissaires frantically working out the final overall placings, but Evan Oliphant (Raleigh GAC) was named as the Grand Prix Series winner, while his team-mate Steve Lampier was the Elite Road Series winner.

One Pro Cycling edged to victory in the team standings, while Eddie Dunbar (NFTO) was the best Under-23 rider of the Series.

Madison Genesis had four riders in the first major break of the day, a 12-rider break which never really gained more than 30 seconds on the bunch before being reeled in.

Four rider attacked again at around half distance – including two Madison Genesis shirts – and when another three got across to form the decisive seven-man break, there were three distinctive orange Madison Genesis helmets in there.

Each of them attacked, first Erick Rowsell and then Mark McNally, but after they were both pulled back it was left for Cronshaw to come round Alex Paton (Pedal Heaven) in the sprint to take the win.

“It was an incredible race today - the first group that went away had four Madison Genesis guys in it,” said Cronshaw. “Most of the team have just come back from a training camp in the Pyrenees so we thought they may be a bit tired, but that wasn’t the case which was amazing.

“Erick [Rowsell] had a few digs, but with a lap and a bit to go Mark [McNally] attacked and stayed away. Jon Mould brought him back and it all went pear-shaped, but in the sprint I came round Alex Paton with a few metres to go.

“I’ve really enjoyed my season with Madison. This race epitomises the team’s season, everyone just gets stuck in and it worked out.”

Results:

1 Matt Cronshaw (Madison Genesis)

2 Alex Paton (Pedal Heaven)

3 George Atkins (One Pro Cycling)