Greipel Takes Opening Stage of Tour of Saxony

Columbia fastman Andrei Greipel blasted to victory in stage one of the Tour of Saxony from Dresden to Niesky on Wednesday. The German took win number nine of the  season in a bunch sprint at the end of the 188 kilometer stage- a victory which has him into the overall lead of the five-day race.

 "This is definitely my best year so far." Greipel said

"It's always an extra motivation for me to be racing and winning in Germany, on home soil, too."

"The sprint itself wasn't too difficult, a little uphill and on a wide street in a good warm weather.  The only problem was there was a very strong headwind so I had to go from a very long way out. But I still won by three bike lengths."

"The team did exactly what they had to as well, bringing back a break two kilometers from the line and then setting things up for a bunch sprint.  Our tactics were perfect."

Greipel says he will try to hold the race lead, "but I'm not a time triallist and Saturday's race against the clock should decide everything, so it's best to be cautious."

"I'll take it on the day by day, tomorrow [Thrusday] could well be another bunch sprint, and we'll try to make that happen and to keep the lead at the same time.  The weather forecast is for a lot of headwind so that should be good for keeping the race together."

Greipel started winning races this year in January he took the overall and four stages in the Tour Down Under. That has been followed by a stage victory in the Giro in May and another in the Tour of Austria earlier this month.  He recognises thathe is having and exceptional season.

"It just shows that with a great team supporting me what I can do.  They are really performing brilliantly- and this year is one I won't forget in a hurry!"