Genze wins final sprint while Suess tops women's competition again

After 98 kilometres and 2,232 metres of elevation change, Hannes Genze claimed victory in an enthralling sprint finale and thus celebrated his second stage victory in the TransGermany. The 2005 European Champion clinched the muddy fifth stage from Bad Steben to Schoeneck im Vogtland on the home straight. Genze (Multivan Merida Biking Team) crossed the finish line in 3:48:37, only one-tenth of a second ahead of Team Bulls pilot Thomas Dietsch, who extended his lead in the overall. Nissan rider Ramses Bekkenk finished third in 3:48:40, making it into a stage's top three for the first time.

Despite the joy of the stage win for Genze, which was the fourth in a row for the Multivan Merida Biking Team, Genze was a bit melancholic after his teammate Jochen Kaess, who had been in second place overall, lost more than a minute on Dietsch due to a flat tyre five kilometres before the finish.

"I'm happy about my triumph, which I aimed for after getting to the final climb in second spot. But I have to admit that it is very disappointing for Jochen (Kaess)."

The two-time German Champion also thought of a new approach to the overall classification. "I guess one of us has to do some earlier attacks during the next two days." Dietsch's lead is by no means secure as reigning German Champion Kaess sits in second, only 1:33 behind. Genze is third with a deficit of 1:37.

Dietsch was all smiles about his successful defence of the yellow jersey. "I have to thank my team. All of them were working very hard. It was a fantastic job!"

But the reigning French Champion did his part, too. After the Bulls squad had dictated the pace throughout the course of the race, Dietsch demonstrated his strength in the final ascent to Schoeneck. "I led from the beginning on all the way up and fought for every single second. Due to this, I wasn't strong enough for the final sprint."

His good result and mood were dampened only by news that teammate Karl Platt dropped out of the race at 82km due to dislocating his left shoulder. The 2007 Trans Germany winner, who worked hard on the day's stage, won't be able to support Dietsch during the final two stages.

Another favorite, birthday boy Alban Lakata (Topeak-Ergon Racing) suffered several flat tyres before quitting the race. The European Champ now will concentrate on the Austrian Championships.

Swiss Champion still the strongest

Nothing changed in the women's race. Esther Suess once again won the stage (in 4:10:22). The day's race was decided on the final climb where the Wheeler Pro Team rider was able to break away from her challenger Sally Bigham, who finished in 4:10:45.

Bigham, a Brit from the Topeak-Ergon Racing Team, said, "My legs refused to work."

In contrast, Suess' legs were working great. "Everything worked out fine. Although I didn't plan it, I will try to win every stage from here on out."

Cube biker Milena Landtwing came in third in 4:17:51.

Grasegger still dominating the Master category

Johann Grasegger (Scott Racing) also took home his fifth stage victory. The Grainau resident reached the Vogtland balcony Schoeneck in 3:54:56.

"Everything ran smooth. Only the first kilometres were very hard because the top guys set a very high pace. I will keep going on as fast as I can but won't risk my Blue Leader's jersey."

Branko Grah (RC Sereno) came in second in 4:04:12. Peter Paelinck finished six minutes back and jumped on the podium for the first time.

Spolc continues win streak

The bearer of the green jersey remained unbeatable among the super masters. Czech Milan Spolc (Sachsen. Land von Welt) won stage five. The fastest over-50-year-old rolled in after 4:10:33. Bernhard Spieler (race worx) followed as runner-up at 4:20:32 and Rudi Geentjens was third at 4:21:38.

Stage 6: Schoeneck to Oberwiesenthal

On stage six, racers will face the Fichtelberg climb which tops out at 1,214m. At 11.3km, the field will climb 577m. From Rittersgruen onward, this climb will count for the KOM classification. After the top, racers can relax on a downhill finish run into Oberwiesenthal for the final section.