NEWS FOR SEPTEMBER 2003

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Nicole 3rd in Warmup for Worlds

Giro di Romagna, Italy

Womens World Cup winner for 2003, Nicole Cooke, who along with David Millar will be a leading contender for a medal at the World Championships in two weeks, warmed up in the rain in Italy with a fine 3rd place. The race over 116 (70 miles) took time to get going but soon a group formed over one of the long climbs when Australia's Oenone Wood attacked taking Nicole and 6 others with her. This move came to nothing unfortunately for Nicole but another one, when Wood and Nicole attacked again on circuit 4 along with a number of other riders. This group combined well and stayed away until the finish with the Aussie girl Oliva Gollan getting away late in the race to win alone and Nicole was 2nd in the sprint to finish 3rd and on the podium.

Speaking on her website (www.nicolecooke.com)where fans can now buy replica jerseys like the one Nicole has worn this season, the Commonwealth Games Champion said "I felt good physically, though I think I should have had a longer warm up. It took me a while to get into the race. Once we got away the Australians had the upper hand with two in the break. With about 7 km to go they stopped working, and began taking it in turns to attack. Third is a little disappointing, but I know I'm in good shape and now just have to focus on preparing properly for the Worlds."

Our best wishes to Nicole and the rest of the Great Britain team heading for Canada and the World Championships.