Christian Pfannberger gave his all to get a medal Saturday, attacking out the leading group and...
Christian Pfannberger (Austria) tried a solo attack (Image credit: Tour of Japan)
Christian Pfannberger gave his all to get a medal Saturday, attacking out the leading group and going into the last lap with a 20 second advantage. "But the head wind was so strong, that my lead was just too small," the Austrian told laola1.at.
"My goal was a medal, he said. "That's why I set everything on one card at the end and hoped that it would work out. I can't blame myself for anything. I became Military World Champion with such an attack. I had this chance for a medal and otherwise it didn't matter if I ended up fourth or fiftieth." He came in 23d.
His Austrian team-mate, Thomas Rohregger, also was satisfied. "We didn't miss by much, even though the conditions today were extreme. ... But for a medal, everything has to go right on the day. We were only a small team, but we can leave with our heads held high."
Team manager Klaus Kabasser saw it similarly. "Peformance-wise, both were excellent. We really hope for Pfannberger's attack to work. Both riders set a high standard for the women riders." (SW)
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Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.
