Columbia dominates national time trials

Team Columbia-Highroad's riders are collecting wins in their respective time trial national championships. Italian Marco Pinotti took the first win on Sunday in Imola, his fourth time trial title.

Norwegian Edvald Boasson Hagen, Luxemburger Kim Kirchen and Czech Frantisek Rabon added to Pinotti's title with their wins yesterday.  They were repeat wins for all four men.  Swede Emilia Fahlin won Wednesday and Dane Linda Villumsen won yesterday for the women's team.

"This is unbelievable, I think," said Fahlin of her win. She beat Susanne Ljungskog on the 30-kilometre course in Götene.

Columbia could claim more titles today in Germany. World Champion Bert Grabsch and Tony Martin are strong favourites for the men's championships and Judith Arndt in the women's.

Most road race championships are this Sunday. Some countries, like Australia, hold their titles in the off-season. Michael Rogers took Columbia's first win this year when he won the Australian time trial. (GB)