Gerolsteiner confident for Volta ao Algarve

After Gerolsteiner's first win of the season - David Kopp's victory on stage five of the Challenge Illes Balears - team manager Reimund Dietzen is confident his riders can put in good early-season performances. "It motivates us and takes a bit of the pressure off," said Dietzen of Kopp's win, as he looks ahead to the Volta ao Algarve, which starts today and signals the beginning of Davide Rebellin's racing season.

"I have a good feeling about this team right now," said the 46-year-old German, and while attention will be focused on Robert Förster and Markus Zberg in the sprints, the season debut of Rebellin should be of great interest to team management. "Above all the final stage could have something for Davide," said Dietzen. The Portuguese race will also signal the team debut of Stefan Schumacher, who Dietzen believes could do good things. "Stefan is highly motivated and Mallorca was good for him; the form is coming," he said.