Being up against Geraint Thomas in a time trial, Mathias Frank knew that he faced an uphill battle in his attempt to defend his overall lead in the Bayern Rundfahrt. The Swiss did well to finish sixth but openly admitted that he had been beaten by a better rider in the discipline.

Mathias Frank lost his lead in the Tour of Bavaria after the 25 kilometer race against the clock in Wassertrüdigen. The IAM Cycling rider rode with honor but was bested by Geraint Thomas (Sky). The Welsh Team Sky rider won the stage and took over the yellow jersey.

He had been trailing Frank by 14 seconds before the time trial stage. However, Frank lost 33 seconds to Thomas over the course of 25 kilometers. With only Sunday’s relatively easy stage into Nüremberg to face, Geraint Thomas can count on retaining the overall lead with his 19 second advantage.

When discussing his performance, Mathias Frank conceded defeat with the highest level of good sportsmanship. 

“I have been beaten by a stronger rider. Today there was nothing to be done against Geraint Thomas on that kind of very fast course without too many climbs. I gave my best effort throughout the stage, but it was simply not enough.

“I must accept that failure and continue to work even harder to improve in my time trial performances. But I am not bitter and I will not let this mess with my head. This race has helped me prepare and learn for the Tour of Switzerland and the Tour de France.”