Pedal power gives Bibby Manx crown

The roar of engines on the famous Isle of Man TT circuit was replaced by pedal power for the second round of the Motorpoint Spring Cup Series.

Bibby crossed the finishing line of the 113-mile course in just under four-and-a-half hours, 44 seconds ahead of runner-up Erick Rowsell.

“I was really happy to win the race on such an iconic circuit,” Bibby told the Evening Post.

“The race was three laps of the TT circuit, it is a tough course with the three big hill climbs.

“It was the first time for a few years that a really big cycling race had been held on the Isle of Man and it attracted big numbers of supporters.

“The big climb on each lap made it a bit different from a lot of the other races.

“To come out as winner was brilliant because there were a lot of the top riders taking part.

“It was a big moment to cross the finishing line which they use in the TT.”

Bibby, 29, races for the Hereford-based NFTO team.

His team-mate Edmund Bradbury won the first round of the Spring Cup Series in Chorley last month.

Said Bibby: “After the team rode so well in Chorley, the pressure was on us to do it again. We went hard on the second lap and split into a good group.”

There was little time for Bibby to savour Sunday’s victory.

He returned by ferry yesterday and was back on the bike today ready for his next race this weekend.

Said Bibby: “I’m off to Northumberland on Saturday for a race there.

“Then we have got the Tour of Yorkshire at the end of April which Bradley Wiggins will ride in. We go all over the country.”

Bibby, a former pupil of Our Lady’s High School in Fulwood, has been riding professionally for seven years.

He said: “I train every day, covering between 400 and 500 miles in a week.

“I ride in the Trough of Bowland, in Rivington and around Whalley.”