Reimer surprises to become German champ

Martin Reimer of Cervelo TestTeam pulled off a major upset and took the German road title Sunday in Cottbus. Dominic Klemme of Saxo Bank and Roger Kluge filled out the surprising podium.

The big favourites Columbia-Highroad and Milram were only able to claim fourth and fifth places, with Marcel Sieberg and defending two-time champion Fabian Wegmann, respectively.

A group of some 20 riders got away early in the race and built up a lead of over eight minutes. There were numerous attacks out of the group as it became clear that it would reach the finish without being caught, but none of the attacks were able to gain a significant advantage.

As the lead group approached the finish lineon the first lap of the finishing circuit, Klemme got away, followed by Reimer. Kluge gave chase and caught Reimer. The chase group waited too long to organize itself and chase the three young riders. Eventually the peloton was taken out of the race, allowing the three leaders and the chasers to fight it out.

With about two km to go, the Reimer and Kluge caught Klemme. Reimer won the sprint between the three leaders, with the remainder of the chasing peloton arriving only a few seconds later.