Germans finalized for Olympic team

Although he only considered his odds 50/50, Moritz Milatz (Multivan-Merida) was named Tuesday by the Bund Deutscher Radfahrer (German Cycling Federation) to the German Olympic team and will head to Beijing.

"I felt good in recent weeks about my chances for Olympic participation," said Milatz, who is fresh off a victory at the latest Bundesliga round in Saalhausen. "Only this morning [before the selection was announced], I was pretty nervous and I was no longer so sure.

"But now I am even more enthusiastic ever since I received the positive message from national coach Frank Brueckner. I will be overseas racing in North America to finalize my optimal Olympic preparation and then I'll head to Beijing to do my best!"

"I am delighted that it has worked out for me. I was relatively hopeful the whole time, but all the same, a doubt remained. I can hardly wait," said Olympic team-mate-to-be Wolfram Kurschat (Topeak Ergon) after learning the news of his selection.

"If I am able to continue to build my form like I plan to, I believe I can finish in the top ten in Beijing," said Kurschat, who was unsure of his selection after illness slowed him down earlier this season.

Milatz and Kurschat join Manuel Fumic on the men's squad while Sabine Spitz (Central Ghost) and Adelheid Morath have been picked for the women's squad.

The German stars will contest their national championship this weekend at St. Märgen in the Black Forest.

"This is the only important race for me before Beijing. I will work extremely hard to retain the title as I think the colours suit me," said Kurschat, grinning.