Gerolsteiner fighting back

By Susan Westemeyer

Gerolsteiner's Fabian Wegmann had to give up the polka-dot mountain jersey on Monday, but was able during the stage to fight back and finish within two points of escapist Manuel de la Fuente (Saunier Duval), who took the jersey. De la Feunta gained the points in a long escape, of which Wegmann was not a part. "I tried, and did manage to pick up a few points," he said. "Maybe I'll try again on Tuesday to get the jersey back."

Teammate Peter Wrolich, who finished 10th, was surprised to find himself alone at the end of the "hard, fast, long" stage. Because of a mass crash some 2 km before the finish, he was the only Gerolsteiner in the front group. "I was on Boonen's wheel in the finale, but waited too long," he admitted. He isn't looking for any chances on Tuesday, though. "That will be more something for my teammate Fabian Wegmann. I'll try again the day after tomorrow."