The weekend saw two Linda McCartney teams racing in Europe. The elite squad took on some of the world's best at Switzerland's GP Chiasso while the Linda McCartney - WCU development squad tackled more of the Tour of Rhodes.

Max Sciandri and Olympic Champion Pascal Richard were well to the fore at Chiasso. The little town on the Italian-Swiss border is pretty much home territory for Pascal, and he was determined to show himself. He aggressively led the field up the circuit's main climb several times, but couldn't shake off some dogged pursuers. Ciaran Power and David McKenzie put in some sterling work for their team-mates, David showing again that he can climb very comfortably for a man that is supposedly a sprinter.

In the latter stages British star Max Sciandri showed his durability in this sort of race by forcing his way into the nine-man break that was to decide the race. But when former world number two Davide Rebellin of the Italian Liquigas squad attacked, only Giuliano Figueras, the rising star of the world's top-ranked team Mapei was able to respond. He used his superior sprint to see off Rebellin at the end of the 153kms.

Meanwhile, Linda McCartney-WCU rider Mark Kelly has been impressing at the Tour of Rhodes. As the youngest rider in the whole race, he has delighted managers Keith Lambert and Chris Lillywhite with his maturity.

"He's growing in confidence every day," reported Chris Lillywhite. "He looks to be very comfortable, particularly in the harder terrain." On Friday he moved up a massive 25 places overall to 37th, and then put in his best ride yet on Saturday's mountain stage. A galling crash on the last descent of the day robbed him of a spot in the top 10 overall. Fortunately, he was not seriously injured, and will no doubt be trying his luck again.

Keith has also been pleased with Martin Lonie and James Griffiths and their positive riding. Wales's favourite Australian Shane Sutton is there to help direct operations and is ensuring that plenty of work is getting done.