'I would have been happy with top 20': Team Sky's Jon Dibben reflects on his first pro win
23-year-old took his debut pro win on stage six of the Tour of California
After spent the first five months of his professional career working for others, Jon Dibben was understandably delighted to take his first pro win at the Tour of California, revealing that a top 20 finish would have been satisfactory enough.
The 23-year-old Team Sky rider blasted around the 24km time trial course on stage six of the Tour of California, setting a time of 28-27 that was enough to hold off the general classification contenders, even with Dibben easing off 50m from the line.
"When I crossed the line I didn’t know I’d set the fastest time for a couple of minutes,” Dibben said after the stage.
"I was pretty happy with that because I knew a few people who were targeting the time trial had gone before me. But I thought [Andrew] Talansky and [Brent] Bookwalter would be up there, so I didn’t think I’d be in the hot seat for long.
“Then when I beat Vegard Stake Laengen, who I thought would go well, I got slightly nervous. I started to believe. Watching the last guys come in was stressful!”
While the course at Big Bear Lake was a fairly simple out-and-back course, the fact that it was at more than 2,000m above sea level meant that Dibben and the rest of the riders in the race were unsure what to expect.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
“After the Tour de Yorkshire me and Tao flew straight to Park City, which is at 2,000 metres, and we were there for nine days," Dibben continued.
"We didn’t got there with this TT in mind, it was more just to get an altitude camp and a good block of training in ahead of the race, but it would definitely have helped today.
“We were all discussing this morning how we thought it was going to go, what difference being at altitude would make, but no one really knew.
>>> Tour of California 2017 live TV guide
As part of his first year at Team Sky, Dibben has ridden races in the Middle East and the cobbled Classics in support of others (including finishing 47 minutes down and outside the time limit at Paris-Roubaix), but admitted that he has had an eye on races which could suit him for personal glory.
"At the start of the year I didn’t have any specific goals. Just to turn up at races and do my job, hitting performance targets. Along the way I guess I’ve highlighted days like today and thought, ‘OK, that could suit me,’ but to win…
"Beforehand I was speaking to Tao and I didn’t really know what to expect. I guess I’d have been happy with a top 20 so to win is pretty damn good!"
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
'There's still some room for improvement' - Tadej Pogačar thinks he can get even better in 2025
After winning the Triple Crown of the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France and the World Championships, Pogačar wants more
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Patrick Lefevere to step down as Soudal Quick-Step boss
Controversial Belgian to be replaced by Jurgen Foré after over 20 years in charge
By Adam Becket Last updated
-
Tom Pidcock signs for Q36.5 Pro Cycling after Ineos Grenadiers departure
Olympic MTB champion hails 'start of something special' in three-year deal
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Steve Cummings takes sports director role at Jayco AIUla after Ineos Grenadiers departure
'It’s an opportunity to be part of a culture that celebrates growth, resilience, and meaningful results' says 43-year-old after joining new team
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'With a few changes, it'll be class' - Josh Tarling optimistic about Ineos Grenadiers future
'Everybody wants to get better and get back to winning,' 20-year-old tells audience at Rouleur Live
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'We've had a difficult year, I've had a difficult year' - Tom Pidcock hints at Ineos Grenadiers tension
Speaking at Rouleur Live, the 25-year-old also revealed that he hasn't enjoyed racing at the last two Tours de France
By Adam Becket Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers to partner with German development team for 2025
Ineos set to partner with German Continental squad Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank as an official development partner
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Where next for Ineos Grenadiers, now Steve Cummings has officially left?
After the Director of Racing's exit, the Tom Pidcock saga needs a final resolution before the team can move forward
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos' Director of Racing, Steve Cummings, confirms he is leaving the team after not attending a race since June
Announcement comes after months of uncertainty surrounding Cummings' position
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I never thought I'd really leave the team': Luke Rowe opens up on his reasons for departing Ineos Grenadiers
Welsh road captain is heading to Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale to become a sports director
By Adam Becket Published