Gerdemann moves into lead in Germany with classy stage win

August 30, 2008

Team Columbia's Linus Gerdemann and Thomas Lovkvist soared to the top two places in both stage one and the provisional overall of the Tour of Germany on Sunday.

Featuring one second category and two first category climbs, the 178 kilometre stage between Kitzbuhel and Hochfugen was rated the toughest of the Tour of Germany.

Gerdemann crossed the line 16 seconds ahead of team-mate Lovkvist after attacking at the foot of the final 13 kilometre climb to Hochfugen in Austria.

"I was pleased but annoyed at the same time." Gerdemann reported. "I had a real problem with my radio, the cable fell down and started blocking the chain, so I couldn't pedal properly."

"I think if I hadn't had that problem, I would have opened up a gap of over a minute. I was focussed, I was in good shape, but I couldn't go all out."

Gerdemann didn't have any radio contact as a result, either but as he said, "having Thomas behind meant I felt pretty secure in any case."

"The weather was perfect too for me, 30 degrees. I like riding in that kind of heat."

"I knew my form was good after the recent results I've had." - a stage and the overall in the Tour de L'Ain, as well as a win in the Coppa Agostini - "but it's great to be able to take a win like this."

After suffering serious injuries in Tirreno-Adriatico and missing out on the Tour de France as a result, Gerdemann has bounced back in August with a vengeance.

Now 17seconds ahead of Lovkvist overall, Gerdemann says "my aim is to keep the lead all the way through to the end of the race, rather than ‘lend' the jersey to another rider and then try to come back later."

"I know it'll be difficult, but my form is good, and I know I can count on some great support."

The Tour of Germany finishes with a 34 kilometre time trial in Bremen on September 6th.

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Gerdemann moves into lead in Germany with classy stage win