Connor Swift rode to ninth place overall at the Tour de Normandie, capping a successful first race of the year for Madison Genesis.
In an uncharacteristically calm, dry and sunny week in northern France, the team came together to try and change the shape of a race which was, for seven days, dominated by sprinters.
Despite not facing a wet and windswept week of attrition, team manager Roger Hammond counted the positives from the clement conditions.
“Having such good weather was a double edged sword in many ways. We’re returning from a warm, dry week of racing, having avoided any crashed and with healthy riders who now have seven days of racing in their legs.
“But the problem is that with no wind or rain, it’s a fairly early race to sit in and play for the bunch sprint. To come into first race of the year and be racing against pure sprinters didn’t suit the riders we have.
“While other teams came into this well drilled after six weeks of racing, we were learning and improving throughout. By the last couple of stages the guys were working more as a team which was pleasing to see.
“So to come away with a top-10 place and, for the matter of some time bonuses, be fighting for fourth place, you have to be pleased.”
Madison Genesis will now prepare for the Volta Limburg Classic, with some new riders expected to make their race debut in an event described as a mini Amstel Gold Race.