Milram motivated for D-land Tour

Erik Zabel can look back at the Deutschland Tour 2006 with mixed feelings. He not only won the sprinter's jersey, he even wore the leader's jersey for a day. But he didn't win a single stage -- something which he intends to change this year. And of course he has his eye on the red sprinter's jersey again.

The whole team is looking forward to the race. "It's clear that we are excited about the race. After the Tour de France, this is the most important race for us, and it is certainly the biggest race in Germany," said Ralf Grabsch on the team's website, team-milram.de. Grabsch rode the Tour de France, but says the short time between the two big races is ok. "That shouldn't be a problem. I rested well after the Tour and think that I will ride a strong race in the Deutschland Tour. The race is my absolute high point of the season, so it's clear that I am extra motivated."

The team also announced a last-minute change to its line-up, with Enrico Poitschke taking the place of Elio Rigotto.