A daring attack by the Linda McCartney Pro Cycling Team’s never-say-die Norwegian Bjornar Vestol ensured a thrilling end to today’s stage. There was smiles all round at the finish in the Regio di Caserta town of Aversa, as both Tayeb Braikia and David McKenzie disputed the finish with the world’s greatest sprinters.

It was Czech sprint specialist Jan Svorada who took the stage, a considerable feat when you have to beat men like the Lion King himself Mario Cipollini, Belgian greyhound Tom Steels and the big hitters like Jeroen Blijlevens, Erik Zabel and Ivan Quarranta. Bearing in mind this exalted company, plus a whole host of other wanabees enjoying their shot of live Italian TV, Sean Yates was delighted to see both his sprinters mixing it with them.

“Tayeb has come back brilliantly from the terrible accident he had last year, and he proved today that he has got the nerves and speed to fight with the big names,” said Sean. “Macca is riding as well as I have ever seen him, and I am very pleased with his form. He’s beginning to find some real sprinting speed too.”

But it was Bjornar Vestol who came closest to winning the stage for Linda McCartney. With the peloton still dawdling as they approached the final 30kms, the big man threw himself into an all-out effort that could have earned him a memorable solo victory. With the long finishing straight through the centre of the town bathed in warm sunshine, it was not a surprise to see a huge crowd mobbing the streets, all craving a glimpse of their heroes. A murmur went round the waiting hordes as the race announcer described Bjornar ’s exploits to them, and then more discussion as he took time to introduce each of the McCartney squad and their various achievements.

He carved out a lead of some 35 seconds over the pack, but the sprinters’ teams were not to be denied, and the fastmens’ foot soldiers massed at the front to haul him back before the finish line came into view.

The team are clearly relishing the opportunity of displaying their prowess at this level, and there is a great atmosphere amongst the riders and staff. There is talk of pulling off something special in the next few days, with the big guns of Olympic Champion Pascal Richard and Max Sciandri feeling confident that they can make a big contribution to this race. Max told the press today: