Going into yesterday's big German sprint race Garmin Velothon Berlin, Katusha had planned to ride for home rider Rüdiger Selig. However, the team made a late change of plans to support Alexander Porsev and the Russian paid back the confidence by finishing third in the bunch sprint.

Russian rider Aleksandr Porsev of Team Katusha took the 3rd podium place in the one-day race Garmin Velothon Berlin (1.1 category), which was held in Germany.

"It was a home race of Rudi Selig, so we had the intention to help him today, but with just few kilometers to finish Rudiger said that he is not feeling great because of the cold," Porsev said. "We decided that I would go for the finish. Finally, I was able to get a podium place.

"The victory was possible today: I started my sprint with 300 meters to go, but I admit I should have started a bit later. I missed just a little in the finish.

"Anyway, I am happy with the result, this is my first podium place in the season. I feel my shape is growing and I have really good conditions now. I hope to get a victory in my next races.

In the bunch sprint in Berlin Team Katusha’s rider was beaten Raymond Kreder from Garmin-Sharp and San Bennett from Team NetApp, who was second.

"First of all, I would like to note the team’s work and cohesion of all guys during the whole race," he added. "I think Katusha did a perfect race. The race was hard because it rained during most of the day, only when we came to the laps the rain stopped.

"Besides, there was a really solid breakaway and the group spent a lot of power to catch it. In such conditions, Team Katusha worked at 100%."

The race of 175,1 km started in Berlin in heavy rain. The race made its way to the south regions of the capital district and came back in Berlin only for the final few laps. The breakaway of 4 riders went away at the first part of the race and managed to get a good gap. With 15 km to go the break had 1 minute of advantage and only near the finish it was neutralized. After that moment the peloton played the race victory in a bunch sprint