Zabel looking to defend Henninger crown, with Petacchi's help

Team Milram is counting on Erik Zabel to repeat his victory in the Rund um den Henninger Turm on Monday in Frankfurt. He will be supported by none less than sprinter Alessandro Petacchi, the team announced. This will allow Petacchi to prepare with the German Milram riders for the Giro, and will help Zabel, because in this race the Italian sprinter will ride for the German sprinter, according to the team.

After the team's spectacular successes in the Niedersachsen Rundfahrt and Rund um Köln, it hopes to collect the Henninger title, too. "We hope that the riders can build on their performance in the Niedersachsen Rundfahrt and that we will be able to control the race for our two sprinters," said Directeur Sportif Jan Schaffrath. Zabel noted, "It would be great to continue our winning streak. But you shouldn't underestimate this course. It will be a difficult job."