Manx cyclist Chris Whorrall has made an impressive start to his season with new Italian/Polish team MG Norda.

Strong showings in two recent races have led the Italian press to nickname him 'Cavendish pupil', not inappropriate as Cav is one of the team sponsors.

At the Trofeo Rancilio race near Milan, Whorrall finished 12th despite suffering two punctures on the last lap of the circuit.

In the sprint finish, he was then pulled back by another rider grabbing his jersey.

Last weekend, he competed in the prestigious Grande Primio Pretola race at Perugia.

Three riders escaped and took the podium places but Whorrall won the sprint for fourth place on a circuit which included a large climb.