Wegmann another year easy to spot

After 210 kilometres, Fabian Wegmann became the German National Champion for the second year running. The Gerolsteiner rider crossed the line in Bochum two seconds ahead of Erik Zabel and Gerald Ciolek, both former champions themselves. Wegmann's team-mate Stefan Schumacher finished fourth, while Jens Voigt completed the top five.

"It was hard work. But I am super happy. I knew I was going well. It is great that it worked again. Winning again is something really special and just as nice as the first win. It gives me motivation for the upcoming Tour de France," Wegmann said after the finish.

When Wegmann won the German championships last year, he joked that his girlfriend liked the distinct white jersey with the black, red and gold stripes "so she could better see me in the peloton." A year later a smiling Wegmann confirmed that "I will be more visible on TV again."

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After the race Wegmann also received news that he was nominated for the Olympic Games in Beijing. A good day for the German, but the defence of his title was a close race. Only 400 metres from the line did he know that he could win it. "On the last climb I went for broke, as I knew in a sprint I wouldn't stand a chance against the others." Wegmann attacked and created a gap. "The last ten kilometres I only looked ahead. I just did not turn around. One kilometre from the finish I thought it wouldn't work out. But I kept giving it my all and at the 400 metre to go sign I was relieved. I knew it was going to work," the 28 year-old described the final phase of the race.

Gerolsteiner was the favourite, with having the most riders at the start. Directeur sportif Christian Henn confirmed that "We took on the role of being the favourite. We dominated, we made the race tough through constant attacking and in the end we were rewarded for our hard work."