Christian Knees fifth in Sankt Englmar

Photo: courtesy Wim Dingemanse

Photo: courtesy Wim Dingemanse

Christian Knees rode to a fifth place finish in 30°C summer-like weather in the opening stage of the International Bayern Rundfahrt (May 28-June 1/UCI 2.HC).  In an exciting finish, he took off with 300 meters to go but had to accept a defeat in the closing finish.  The winner after 175 km from Freyung to Sankt Englmar was Gerald Ciolek (High Road).  He beat Fabian Wegmann (Gerolsteiner) and Karsten Kroon (CSC) in the challenging finale.

„Against all expectations, the stage started quietly.  Probably everyone had a bit of respct for the hot weather,“ said MILRAM's Martin Müller.  „We held ourselves back in the chase, since we had in Christian and Niki two options for the stage win.  I brought Niki up to the lead group shortly before the last climb.  In the end we didn't lose much time and still have a lot of possibilities.“

„I have to thank Martin Müller, who rode me up to the lead group,“ said MILRAM youngster Niki Terpstra.  „I tried it all in the finale.  It was a very challenging final climb.  I think we did well today and are in a promising position.“

The second stage on Thursday, May 29, is the longest one at 220 km.  The course from Straubing to Neusäß is slightly rolling, but a mass sprint is expected.  It will be a real „home game“ for MILRAM's Sebastian Schwäger.  The finish line is exactly 400 meters from his house door.


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