Voigt strong in the mountains

Team CSC's Jens Voigt rode a strong stage on Sunday's queen stage of the Giro d'Italia. Voigt was part of the early racing action and played a role in creating the break of nine riders that lasted for half the stage.

It was on the third climb, that Voigt and five others dropped from the break, but he soon joined up with more than a dozen racers to ride with the group of favorites up the fourth mountain. Voigt couldn't keep pace with the attacking favorites, but he did end up in 18th place 7'26" off winner Emanuele Sella (CSF Group Navigare).

"We've gotta hand it Jens Voigt who had yet another great day," said Team CSC director Kim Anderson according to team-csc.com. "He's up there all the way 'til five kilometers before the end of the queen stage, which shows both great form and will power – very impressive."

Besides being in a position to regain the top 10 of the GC, Voigt may have other aspirations. "He's definitely a possible candidate for a stage win before this race is over," said Anderson.

Unlike Voigt, team-mate Chris Anker didn't have such a good day. "Unfortunately today was most likely the end for Chris Anker as far as the overall standings go," said Anderson. "He had a really bad day and this was not the stage to do badly in. He's done his best and we couldn't ask for more. This year's edition of the Giro has been gruelling and you pay the price if you have a couple of bad days."

See Cyclingnews' complete coverage of stage 15 of the Giro d'Italia.