Gerolsteiner's 'tag-team' for Tirreno-Adriatico

Gerolsteiner will go on to Italy with two team captains for the start of Tirreno-Adriatico on Wednesday after Levi Leipheimer decided to take part in the race at late notice. The American will be joined by Davide Rebellin as team co-captain for the seven stages that cover 1090 kilometres which starts in Tivoli on Wednesday and runs through to San Benedetto del Tronto on March 14.

Rebellin decided against riding the race parallel to Paris-Nice this year because also it this time the excursion had attracted into its homeland. Directeur sportif Christian Henn believes he'll enjoy having two leaders for the race in Italy. "That is an advantage," he said. "We can be like a tag-team, and the competition must double the amount of attention they pay to us.

Henn is also confident the race will be good for his team. "I'm looking forward to the race; it's the first Pro Tour race for me this year - I see Quick Step will have Paolo Bettini there, but we still want to be a part of determining the the outcome of the race."

Gerolsteiner's squad for Tirreno-Adriatico: René Haselbacher, Frank Hoj, David Kopp, Sven Krauß, Levi Leipheimer, Andrea Moletta, Davide Rebellin and Fabian Wegmann. Directeur sportif: Christian Henn.