Columbia’s Bert Grabsch, Tony Martin and Michael Rogers turned in a superb collective performance in the Tour of Saxony time trial on Saturday - scooping the top three places and simultaneously moving into the top three places overall.
German national time trial champion Grabsch was the fastest on the 36 kilometre out-and-back course in Grossenheim, with Martin second at 21 seconds and Rogers third at 42 seconds.

“It was very similar to my victory in the Tour of Austria time trial.” Grabsch said afterwards. “It was flat, and not too technical and just like in Austria, very hot. The only difference was here it was very windy.”
“We were going into a strong headwind for the first part, and then a tailwind on the return half.”

"So I took it fairly easy for the first 10 kilometres, gave it a lot more in the second part and then gave it absolutely everything for the last part. You had to calculate your strength very well.”

Grabsch said he received time splits every 10 kilometres from sports director Jan Schaffrath from the following team car, “which gave me an idea of whether I should speed up or not. It all worked out very well.”

Due to represent Germany in the Beijing Olympic time trial event, Grabsch says “this is a real morale boost, because it’s my last race against the clock before heading for China.”

"I’m told we’ll have hot weather there, too, so this was great practice!”
As for his chances of defending his overall lead, the 33-year-old believes that “with three riders in the top three slots, we’re in a really good position to win.”

"Sunday’s final stage is hilly, but I know the climbs and I don’t think I’ll get dropped. None of them are like Alpe D’Huez. In any case, we’ve got a lot of options and that’s what counts.”

Grabsch kept tabs on Saturday’s time trial in the Tour de France, where team-mate Kim Kirchen turned in a strong ride to finish third on the stage and is now lying eighth overall.

“That was really impressive, from what heard it was a very tough time trial. Kim put in a great performance.”