RACE REPORT COURTESY OF RIIS CYCLING: Team Saxo Bank’s significant machine of speed, Fabian Cancellara, had an important task today in his hometown of Bern where he with a solid performance on the trial time would be able to win Tour de Suisse.
And Fabian Cancellara made more than just a solid performance. Through the streets of Bern he was cheered on by his countrymen with the Swiss flag on his back marking the fact that he is the national champion in the fight against the clock, he crushed any hope for the other riders in the GC.
The worst competitors were absolutely powerless compared to the strong Swiss who flew through the undulating 39 kilometres in 46 minutes and 1 second and crossing the finish line he celebrated the victory of both today’s stage and the overall standings.
“It was a fantastic feeling to win on home ground today. I must admit that I had goose bumps on the course and I could clearly feel the support from the audience. When I started Tour de Suisse I had not dreamed of the possibility of the overall victory. But with the team’s help and a shape that finally has arrived we managed anyway. It has been a fantastic week for me and for the team. I would like to thank the team, the audience and the sponsors for their support and we could not wish for a better prelude to the Tour de Franceâ€Â, said a very happy Fabian Cancellara.
And also sports diretor, Kim Andersen, was content after the big result:
“It was a fantastic final of a race where we have always had focus on racing for a good overall result for Fabian and it shows that the team is working very well together. In addition, we also won the team competition, which shows a nice breadth of the squad. I see that the riders are getting stronger and now we must focus on the next big task. It has been a good day for Team Saxo Bank, a delighted sports director Kim Andersen said after the last stage of the Tour de Suisse.
Top 10 GC standings after the break…
1. Fabian Cancellara (SUI), Saxo Bank, 33:05:51
2. Tony Martin (GER), Columbia-Highroad, +2:02
3. Roman Kreuziger(CZE), Liquigas, +2:24
4. Andreas Kloden (GER), Astana, +2:50
5. Tadej Valjavec (SLO), Ag2r-La Mondiale, +3.18
6. Damiano Cunego (ITA), Lampre-NGC, +3:23
7. Rein Taaramae (EST), Cofidis, +4:04
8. Kim Kirchen (LUX), Columbia-Highroad, +4:04
9. Maxime Monfort (BEL), Columbia-Highroad, +4:04
10. Michael Albasini (SUI), Columbia-Highroad, +4:08
