Even though evergreen sprinter Erik Zabel (Milram) missed out on the much-desired stage win in the Deutschland Tour, the German is still satisfied coming out best sprinter of the race. He took the red jersey of the points classification all the way to Karlsruhe, where he finished second once again behind Australian Graeme Brown (Rabobank). Zabel was still able to score two second placings, two thirds and one fourth in his home country race - despite his now 36 years.
"Of course I would have liked to finish this Deutschland Tour with a stage victory," said Zabel. "But winning the points jersey, and having held the yellow jersey of the overall classification - even only for a day - are enough reward for all the sacrifices."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
