Winn satisfied with Athens performance (From Free Press Series)

Winn satisfied with Athens performance

ABERGAVENNY Olympic cyclist Julian Winn says he's happy with the way he performed in Athens after helping fellow British team mate Roger Hammond finish a superb seventh in Saturday's gruelling road race.

The 31-year-old proved crucial to Hammond's success after clawing back a group of break-away riders mid-way through the race that risked leaving the Brits well and truly out contention.

Winn eventually pulled out of the race - won by favourite Paolo Bettini - after completing ten of the 17 laps in excruciatingly hot conditions with temperatures soaring to 35 centigrade. In all 69 of the 144 starters didn't complete the race.

"I was satisfied with the way I competed," Winn told the Free Press. "Of course I had personal ambitions to finish the race, but to be honest I wasn't strong enough. I had done my bit already by helping Roger and that was what I had been charged to do.

"We had a team strategy from the start and my job was to make sure Roger remained in the right position, which he did by finishing with a great result."

The Welshman will return from Athens on Thursday and immediately begin his preparations for next month's Tour of Britain where he is hoping to finish amongst the leading contenders.

"It's back to training and back to the weather!" quipped the former British Road Race champion.

"I'm as hungry as ever to succeed at the very highest level. The Olympics has been a brilliant experience and I've loved every minute though it can be a bit of an anti-climax after your event is over.

"The Commonwealth Games are in 2006 and the World Championships later this year so there is plenty to aim for.

"The Tour of Britain is in the beginning of September and I'll be looking to lead a strong Welsh team into it. Hopefully we'll get a good result there," said Winn.