Favourites clinch win in stage one

Alban Lakata proved a worth winner of stage one of the Trans Germany. New to the race, the Austrian took the win from Erbach im Odenwald to Frammersbach in an enthralling finish sprint. The European Champion relegated Switzerland's Andreas Kugler and last year's winner from France, Thomas Dietsch, to the ranks of second and third respectively. After 102.08 kilometres and 2,257 metres of altitude, Lakata finished in 2:20:31; he was about 10 minutes faster than the winner of the first stage in 2008.

Topeak-Ergon Racing Team's Lakata, 29,  was satisfied with his performance. "I did a perfect job. I tried to attack at the climb which counted for the king of mountain category but could only get rid of two racers out of the five in our lead group, Hannes Genze and Robert Mennen." An attack earlier in the race had whittled down the lead group from 15 to 5.

On the last downhill to Frammersbach, Lakata took advantage of his good position within the small break to go for the win. "I was lucky to get out of the downhill first so I forced the sprint from the leading position." Even afer winning, Lakata predicted it would be a tough week ahead.

The results seem to back him up. Kugler of the Multivan Merida Biking Team was only four-tenths of a second behind Lakata. Dietsch was one second further back.

"This year's race has a way higher level. The field pedals to the metal. It's brutal. You don't have any time to relax or to take it easy. Thus, I'm glad that I podiumed today," said Lakata

Swiss lady storms into Red Leader's Jersey

In the women's race, the odds-on favourite took up the race leadership. Esther Suess (Wheeler Pro Team) finished in 2:40:22 for the first win of her Trans Germany career. Six minutes later, 2004 Rowing World Champion Nina Gaessler, starting for the Norwegian Kona Team, made it to Frammersbach (2:46:25). Elisabeth Brandau (Team Haibike) finished third (2:46:47).

Suess not only had to fight with the course and her competition, but also for a short moment with herself. "After I shook off Elisabeth Barndau, I was pedalling alone for a while and didn't know where I was sometimes."

But in the end, the Swiss biker caught up with another group and was able to secure her lead.

"The race is really tough with all these rhythm changes. Thus, my only goal is to hold on to my position and get through the week in a good place."

Grasegger best Master

Johann Grasegger also took home his first Trans Germany stage win at his debut participation. The Scott Racing Team member came in with a time of 2:33:03. Thus, the Grainau resident already has a lead of almost seven minutes on the runner-up in the category for the over 40-year-olds. Bernd Weinhold from Team Schoeneck finished second in 2:39:47, and Henrik Cohen from Denmark rounded out the podium as third (2:40:16).

Spolc takes over Green Jersey

In the senior master category, Milan Spolc bought home an expected victory. The Czech, who pedals for Sachsen Land von Welt, dominated the master's category when he won the title in 2007 and 2008, together with his teammate Robert Novotny. Today, Spolc reached Frammersbach after 2:40:58. Bernhard Spieler (Race Worx) was second (2:48:48), closely followed by Werner Otto (2:49:22) of Team Paul Lange & Co. / Shimano.

Stage 2: From Frammersbach to Bischofsheim

The second day of the stage race will start as a forest leg: after the last spurs of the Eselsweg have been left behind, the route will lead the field past the food stations Bayerische Schanz and Burgsinn through the Schondra valley to the climb of the day: the bikers will pedal via Wuerzburger Haus and Guckapass up to the Kreuzberg. The 927m high mountain, with its three prominent summit crosses, offers a fantastic panorama view of the Rhoen. Then it will be time for a technical downhill where top downhill aces will be able to make up some time on the trail descent down to Bischofsheim - the heart of the Rhoen.