Gerdemann prepares for Tour on the track

Linus Gerdemann's stepped up his Tour de France preparations this week, with the rider taking to the track to improve his aerodynamics. The Milram rider was joined by Swiss time trial expert Andreas Walser for a session at the track in Kaarst-Büttgen, Germany.

Walser focused on improving Gerdemann's time trial position throughout the test. "The test can be called a warm-up for my Tour 2009 preparations," said Gerdemann. "It is part of the base training."

Walser required Gerdemann to ride a constant speed of 45 km/h over a specified distance during the test. He recorded wattage data from differing saddle and handlebar positions, which will be used to adapt his time trial position ahead of the Tour de France, July 4 to 26.

"My personal requirement is and has always been to get the optimum out of my body and the material. That makes a test like this indispensable. Just like a wind tunnel test, with which I had a good experience last year and which I will do this year if possible."

Gerdemann missed last year's Tour de France due to injuries sustained in a crash at Tirreno-Adriatico. The German also missed last year's Beijing Olympic Games, but returned with both a stage win and the overall classification at last year's Deutschland Tour.