GB 100% ME TEAM DOMINATE IN ITALY

The Great Britain 100% ME men?s team stunned Italian and international competition at the weekend, dominating the prestigious Milan-Busseto one-day race.

Chelmsford?s Ian Stannard took the first ever win for the Olympic Academy team in Italy, and Ben Swift was third after a perfect race. The two were part of the decisive split mid-way through the race, and were then part of the six-rider group that formed in the finale.

Both were given a chance to attack by directeur sportif Rod Ellingworth, and Stannard went clear with a strong attack six kilometres from the finish. Italian Mirko Selvaggi (Mastromarco) went with him but could do little more than hang on to his wheel and Stannard easily beat him in the sprint.

To complete a great day Swift also attacked the chasers in the final kilometre to take third place and see British riders dominate the podium of one of Italy?s most prestigious one-day races.

After the team?s bikes were stolen before their first Italian race of the season last weekend, the win at Milan-Busseto was a great response and showed their rival Italian teams that the Great Britain 100% ME team is packed with talent and ready for great 2007 season.

?It?s great to get a win and pays everybody back for all the hard work. It was a bit of risk moving to Italy but this is where the best racing is and the lads have shown they can take on the best,? Ellingworth said with pride.

?It?s been a tough week after the bikes were stolen but mechanic John Keegan worked until two in morning last Sunday so that the lads would have bikes to train and that showed the determination in the whole team here. The lads hardly ever climb off in races and are always giving everything and so when you win a race and ride well, it?s very satisfying for everyone.?