The North Anston cyclist finished fourth, same as in the European Championships, and he blamed his track position for not breaking into the top three.

But the 20-year-old rider has plenty to look forward to, having signed a pre-contract with new Russian professional team Katusha.

"It went well for me, and I'm disappointed with fourth and not to medal or get the jersey," said Swift.

"I tried pretty hard to get it, and we needed to get someone in that move. Luckily a group formed and I got across to it."

"Those two efforts I made were partly my fault for not being in position – I had to get myself back in the bike race."

"That's where I let myself down a little bit by using so much energy getting back into the race. It needed to be done."

"I am happy with the ride but disappointed to come so close."

A break of 11 riders took the initiative on the second lap at Varese, but none of the Team GB participants managed to get in the mix.

Swift was instead caught in the chasing pack, battling Frenchman Cyril Gautier.

After a long chase he managed to catch the leaders.

But the extra effort took it out of him, while Colombian Fabio Arevalo attacked over the final 500 metres, claiming victory.

"The circuit was really good with tough climbs, and that whittled the group quite a lot," said Swift, who followed second placed Italian Simone Ponzi and Germany's John Degenkolb, who took bronze, over the finish line.

"Those last laps were tough and I was cramping up all the time and fighting to stay in position."

"Because I knew if I lost contact on the climb I would not get back on over the top. Luckily, there was not too much jumping around."

"The Colombian was strong in the break all day, and he is definitely a worthy winner. I got in a good position but just didn't have it in the sprint, I only had 50 metres in me."