Russell Downing

Russell Downing is rejoining the Linda McCartney Pro Cycling Team in 2001. The Rotherham 22-year old will be a key component of the revamped and improved squad, after a successful season racing in Italy.

"Fonzie" came to the fore for the Linda McCartney team at the back end of 1999, turning in some very impressive rides, including a crushing solo victory at the Havant Grand Prix.

"We deliberated long and hard about offering Russ a place on our 2000 European squad," revealed team manager Sean Yates. "With only ten riders in the team, we thought there would be a lot of pressure on him, so we offered him a leader's role with the Linda McCartney-WCU development squad instead. To be honest, we were delighted when he turned it down and said he wanted to try his luck in Italy."

"I thought it was the right thing to do to continue my progress," explained Russ. "Sean said that they would watch me through the year, and if things went well, I'd be in the frame for 2001. And here I am!"

2000 wasn't without it's hiccoughs for Russ, with a ride in Italy proving hard to come by. With the help of the excellent Dave Rayner Fund, he finally found an "Espoirs" (under-23) team near Florence that were big enough to give him the experience he needed. Within a few days of his arrival in Florence, he promptly fell out of a bunk in his new lodgings and broke his foot!

"It took a while to get going," admitted Russ, sporting a fantastic new Michele Bartoli-style haircut that might finally rid him of his Fonzie tag. "But by the time I met up with the team again during the Tour of Italy in Prato, things were starting to work for me."

"He's had a great year," said teammate-to-be Max Sciandri. "I've ridden with Russ in the Great Britain squad at the World Championships, and think he's a great talent. My friends back in Italy tell me he's always the man to watch in their under-23 races."