Swift's win tops season's progression, says Tchmil

Ben Swift (Katusha) wins stage seven of the Tour of Britain.

Ben Swift (Katusha) wins stage seven of the Tour of Britain. (Image credit: Gerry McManus)

Ben Swift's win yesterday in Yeovil at the Tour of Britain is the first of many more to come, said Katusha team manager Andrei Tchmil.

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"He's deserved it for some time," Tchmil told Cyclingnews. "He's had some great placings in País Vasco and a third in the Giro d'Italia. I am very content for him and how the team worked in yesterday's Britain stage."

Experienced teammate and Italian Champion Filippo Pozzato led the way for Swift, 21. The duo worked to beat Edvald Boasson Hagen (Columbia-HTC), winner of the last four stages and current race leader.

"Pozzato sacrificed his chances for Swift, a rider racing in his home country," continued Tchmil. "There are not many chances for the Brits to win at home. Pozzato is paid to win, but also to help his teammates win."

The Tour of Britain finishes today with a 92.5-kilometre stage in London. Swift and Pozzato will try again to out-sprint Boasson Hagen, who should win the race's overall classification.

Swift has a contract through 2010 with Katusha, and Tchmil is excited to see Swift progress further.

"I hope that Swift has a great career, both on a personal and professional level. He needs to enjoy this good form and confirm his capacity to win races. He will have plenty more chances to win in 2010."

Swift first rode professionally with Barloworld as a trainee in the fall of 2007. His first full season as a professional started this year at the Tour of Qatar.

The Tour of Britain is in its sixth year. This year the race started in Scunthorpe and consisted of eight stages.

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