In Germany, time trial specialists had a chance to show their stuff on the streets of Haßfurt.  Alex Dowsett (Movistar) followed up his recent world hour record success by winning the stage with a time of 31’33” after 26.1 kilometers.  IAM Cycling’s Larry Warbasse put in an excellent time taking 7th place at the end of the day.  His efforts have resulted in gaining him a place in the top-10 overall, which means that the American sits in 8th place in the Bayern Rundfahrt.

Larry Warbasse had already marked this stage earlier in the week.  Since it is a course that suites him, at a point in the season when he is in very good form, all the conditions were present to allow Warbasse the chance to shine on the roads in Germany. 

“When I first saw my program, I looked at the calendar, and I marked this race from the start of the season,” the 24 year old Warbasse explained.  “The route was not very demanding, but it’s important to be on top of things every day, and that suits me well.” 

Warbasse was able to confirm his assessment with his strong 7th place on Saturday. 

“I’m pretty satisfied.  I really wanted to do a good time, and it worked.  Of course, a win would have been even better, but I am definitely happy with my place.  This race is really a good test for me.  I think that I am pretty much at 100% of my condition, and my place in this time trial proves that; I’m in good shape.  The guys who finished ahead of me were all really specialist, and I am more of an all-rounder.  I like it when there are climbs, but I am not really at my best on this type of finish.  I always love time trials, so I think I am where I should be.”

Eddy Seigneur, directeur sportif for the IAM Cycling team for the Bayern Rundfahrt along with Mario Chiesa, shared Warbasse’s enthusiasm. 

“I’m really happy for Larry,” Seigneur said.  “He did a very good time, and that is extremely encouraging for the future.  Everyone who finished ahead of him are real time trial specialists, but he still managed to pull out a great result.  He told both Mario Chiesa and me earlier this week that he wants to do well on this stage, and he stuck to his conviction.  It’s very good for his morale and confidence. 

"Then that puts him in 8th place in the overall, and we could not have hoped for more.  We will not ask too much; we need to keep expectations realistic.  But normally, he probably won’t lose any positions in the final standings by Sunday evening, so we are very happy.”