Sir Bradley Wiggins edged to within striking distance of the maglia rosa as Team Sky claimed the second stage of the Giro d'Italia.
Mark Cavendish lost the leader's jersey to 23-year old Italian Team Sky rider Salvatore Puccio, who was first to cross the line as the British-based outfit dominated a 17.4km team time trial on the island of Ischia.
With Wiggins working hard and inspiring at the front, Team Sky covered the course at an average speed of 47.275kph, clocking 22 minutes and five seconds as the British favourite claimed some valuable seconds over his general classification rivals.
He now sits second in the overall standings, with the same time as Puccio.
Home hope Vincenzo Nibali was 14 seconds down, defending champion Ryder Hesjedal was 25 seconds adrift and former Tour de France winner Cadel Evans is now 37 seconds off the pace set by Wiggins.
“It was a big day for everyone and to finish it off like we did is incredible. It was a really good ride from the boys," said Team Sky sports director Marcus Ljungqvist
“They measured their effort well and got everything out of themselves. Coming down to five guys right at the end there was a good timing and everything worked out great.
“It was a tough course and a place where there was potential to really win and lose some time. It was easy to blow the team apart on the climbs but the guys stayed together well.”
© Sportsbeat 2013