Zabel edging closer

After finishing fifth on Stage 9 and fourth yesterday, T-Mobile's Erik Zabel is edging ever closer to a stage victory in his first the Giro d'Italia. With the real mountains starting today, the 34 year-old is one sprinter who is able to get over the climbs and make the time cut a little easier than his rivals, so his chances of a win will naturally increase as the days tick by.

"I felt very strong today. But it the end I just lacked that bit of extra pep need to get my nose ahead," said Zabel after the stage finish in Rossano Veneto.

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1