Lang satisfied in the end

by Susan Westemeyer

Gerolsteiner's Sebastian Lang was dreaming of bronze going into the World's time trial. Instead of third, though, he ended up off the podium, in fifth place, 2.08 down.

His first reaction was: "I am really disappointed." He told the sid press agency, "I wanted a medal, but only felt well really at the beginning. After that I had the impression that I was sitting on the wrong bike." Apparently the seat was not properly adjusted.

Later he showed himself more satisfied with his performance. "I reached my goal of the top five and noticed that I am on the right way for the 2007 World's in Stuttgart." He even added jokingly, "I was eighth, now fifth. You can figure out where I'll finish next year..."

His Gerolsteiner team manager Hans-Michael Holczer was not disappointed. "First of all, I'm satisfied with the results. Seppel met my highest expectations, that he would finish between fifth and fifteenth. And second, Sebastian made big leap and improved himself over last year... Maybe there will be a medal for him next year in Stuttgart."