Gerdemann: Cycling is "still alive"

By Gregor Brown in Joigny

The young-looking Linus Gerdemann is starting an adventure in his first Tour de France. The German of T-Mobile is charged with protecting Australian Michael Rogers has he vies for top spot on the Podium in Paris.

Linus explained to Cyclingnews that there have been some "easy" days before the real testing will begin. "Yesterday [Stage 3 to Compiègne], was really easy, it was flat," he began in clear English. "I just tried to save energy and to protect Michael while we wait for the mountain days.

"I would like to have a good stage for myself but it is my first Tour, so we will have to see what is possible," said Gerdemann, winner of a 2005 Tour de Suisse stage, who is in his third year as a professional.

"It is impressive for sure," he continued of his Tour de France experience thus far. "The Tour de France is the biggest bike race in the World. ... London was amazing. A world city and the prologue was there. It was a good sign for cycling that there were so many fans. For sure we have problems but it was great to see that cycling is still alive."

He remarked on his team leader. "He is good. It is flat and so it is difficult to say. However, he is in good spirits."