Teutenberg comes out on top in China

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HTC-Columbia's Ina-Yoko Teutenberg lived-up to pre-race expectation as she capped a successful week in China by winning the Chongming Island World Cup race on Sunday. The German national champion finished fastest in a sprint finish, which saw Kirsten Wild (Cervelo TestTeam) finish second and Rochelle Gilmore (Australia) third.

The fifth round of the women's World Cup series became Teutenberg's fourth win in five days and completed HTC-Columbia's first World Cup victory of the season. After taking two stages and the overall in the Tour of Chongming Island stage race earlier in the week, Teutenberg had started the World Cup event as the a favourite.

"We badly wanted to get a win in the World Cup series, but overall the important thing was the way our team raced, we were really on top of things," said HTC-Columbia team manager Ronny Lauke afterwards.

In addition to strong crosswinds, the peloton faced torrential rain throughout the 138 kilometre race. Despite the conditions, a 20-rider group was able to break free of the peloton halfway through the event.

"I'd checked out the course beforehand and it was clear there were going to be crosswinds and splits in the bunch, and our team was really attentive," said Lauke. "After about 60 kilometres, when the first big break of about 20 went, we had six riders in it."

HTC-Columbia's strong representation in the break meant the onus was placed on other teams to chase, leaving Teutenberg to conserve her energy in the peloton.

"Judith [Arndt] was really strong, too. She went solo for us on the return section of the race, which forced other teams to chase, and even when the next group got away she still had enough strength to get into that move, along with two more of our riders, [Ellen] Van Dijk and Adrie Visser," continued Lauke.

"Then Judith went again in the last part and that made the other squads work some more. Finally Judith was caught and with about two kilometres to go we started the lead out for Ina. The lead out was so fast that Ina let a gap open with a kilometre to go allowing her three teammates to go for the victory ahead of the field."

However, Cervelo were able to shut down the impromptu escape 150 metres from the finish. Despite the German team's effort, Teutenberg was able to come around at the last minute to take the sprint from Wild and Gilmore.

"They needed a photo-finish to decide if Ina had won, but actually it was pretty clear she had got it," added Lauke.

Dutchwoman Marianne Vos did not compete in the Chongming World Cup, however, her strong performances throughout the World Cup series so far ensured that she will retain the leader's jersey. Teutenberg moved up to sixth on the individual rankings after her win on Sunday. HTC-Columbia lead the team rankings, from Cervelo TestTeam and Vos' Nederland Bloeit squad.