Volksbank's big day in Köln

Austrian Professional Continental squad Team Volksbank celebrated a successful outing in Monday's Rund um Köln with a ninth place finish from German Rene Weissinger and a rider in the day's big escape. Weissinger got great support in the finale from leadout man Gerrit Glomser but got caught behind a crash near the finish that cost him several places.

"Glomser brought me into the sprint perfectly," said Weissinger. "About 200 meters before the finish line, several riders crashed right in front of me. I had to come to a full stop. Too bad, otherwise I would have finished in the top five. But I can be satisfied with ninth place. It's a good result, and a sensational experience before such a large public."

Team-mate Pascal Hungerbühler had much more TV time than Weissinger - the Swiss rider was part of a breakaway group that led for more than 100 kilometres before being caught 50 kilometres from the finish. "Our guys delivered a great race," said directeur sportif Patrick Vetsch. "At breakfast they were already highly motivated and self-confident. After the start they followed my instructions perfectly. Pascal animated the race, Rene brought us a perfect ending. That's the way to work."