Germans win for Austrian teams

Austrian teams provided the local winners for the German race Neuseen Classics "Rund um die Braunkohle" Monday. Elk Haus' Steffen Radochla took the win ahead of Team Volksbank's Olaf Pollack.

"It was simply wonderful to win here," said Radochla. "A lot of people were hoping and expecting that I would win, and I put a lot of pressure on myself. The team worked outstandingly all day and it is great that it all worked out with the win."

Pollack's second place was Volksbank's best season result to date. "Our first podium place this season, and with such a good team performance," said Directeur Sportif Gregor Gut. "Tactically it was a great race. We need to work on the details in the sprint, though."

"A great result, especially for me here at home," said Pollack.

An 11-man strong escape group stayed away much of the race, but they were never more than two minutes ahead of the peloton. The break was caught with 30 kilometres remaining, thereby setting up the peloton for a mass-sprint finish. (SW)