Great Britain?s Ben Swift raced his heart out in the men?s under 23 world road race championship in Varese, showing his huge talent, but finished fourth after Germany?s John Degenklob got past him in the sprint to the line.
Swift made sure he got across to the decisive break of the race and then despite suffering with cramp during the final two laps, he rode smart and stayed with the leaders. He was slightly too far back when the attacks started in the final 500 metres but came up the inside in the finishing straight and gave it everything in the sprint.
Colombia?s Fabio Duarte managed to hold on to win after his powerful attack on the ramp into the racecourse. Italy?s Simone Ponzi and Degenklob just got past Swift on the line meaning he was one step from a medal and a place in his final race as an amateur before turning professional with the new Katyusha team.
?I?m a little disappointed not to get a medal or the jersey but I tried pretty hard to get it,? Swift said proudly.
?It was a really good circuit, they were tough climbs and whittled the group down a lot. We needed some in that move and luckily a group formed and I got across to it. I let myself down a little bit by not being in position and so I had to use energy to get back into the bike race but it needed to be done.?
?The Columbian was super strong in the breakaway all day and was definitely a worthy winner. I was cramping up on all the time and fighting to stay in position. I knew that if I lost contact on the climb I wouldn?t get back on over the top, so I luckily they didn?t jump around too much.?
?At the finish I got into a good position and was on (Italy?s Simone) Ponzi?s wheel. I know him quite well and we?ve raced a lot against each other, but when I went I had about 50 metres in me and that was it, I just blew.?
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Ben Swift in great form during the race. Photos by Luc Claessen
SWIFT SIGNS PRO CONTRACT WITH KATYUSHA
After his ride Swift climbed onto the Great Britain bus and signed his contract with the new Katyusha team. In 2009 he will ride with Robbie McEwen, Filippo Pozzato and Gert Steegmans. The world championships was his last race as an amateur rider.
?It?s quite exciting way to end to my amateur career. It should be good, I wanted to have a good last race,? he said.
?I was fourth in the European championships and fourth in the worlds. I?m a little bit consistent? It?s a shame it can?t be a little higher but I?m happy with my amateur career.?
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ROAD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2008
NEWS
GB gunning for medals in under-23 road race
Millar and Cummings disappointed with TT result
Thursday's World Champs news
Millar and Cummings ready for Elite men's time trial
World Champs men's time trial course notes
Pooley and Laws talk before Worlds time trial
Pooley to use special time trial bars again
British under-23 TT riders finish out of the top 30
Daniel Martin selected for Irish under-23 worlds team
British team heads to Varese with genuine medal hopes
Cancellara to miss World Championships
Swift a close second in final race before Worlds
Rob Hayles on why he's not riding the Worlds
GB Women's Worlds team confirmed
British Worlds team starts to take shape
Geraint Thomas called up to Worlds team to replace Cavendish
Mark Cavendish pulls out of Worlds team
RACE REPORTS
Under-23 men's road race: Colombian takes gold, Swift fourth
Men's time trial: Grabsch grabs the win
Women's time trial: America's Amber Neben takes title
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