Ilkeston cyclist Josh Giddings has secured the first professional victory of his career after winning the opening stage of the Tour of Taihu Lake in China.
The 23-year-old produced a powerful sprint finish on Saturday, September 12, to take victory on the opening 96.5km stage of the five-day race.
Giddings, who rides for Lotto–Intermarché, beat Italian Matteo Malucelli of XDS Astana into second place, with Australian Cameron Scott taking third.
The victory is a significant milestone for the young Ilkeston rider and also puts him at the head of the race’s overall standings, meaning he will wear the leader’s jersey on the second stage.
Giddings has been edging increasingly close to a breakthrough victory during an impressive 2026 season.
Last month, he finished second on Stage 2 of the Renewi Tour, beaten to the line by Belgian sprint star Jasper Philipsen.
Earlier this year, Giddings also achieved another major career milestone when he made his Grand Tour debut at the Giro d’Italia.
He was drafted into Lotto’s Giro squad at short notice, receiving confirmation less than two days before the race began in Bulgaria.
Giddings had previously come through British Cycling’s under-23 track programme before joining Lotto’s development set-up and progressing into the team’s senior ranks.
Saturday’s result now gives the Ilkeston cyclist the first professional victory of his career.
The Tour of Taihu Lake is a UCI 2.1 stage race held in China and continues until Wednesday, September 16.
Giddings will begin Sunday’s second stage in the leader’s jersey as he attempts to defend his position at the top of the general classification.