Heinrich Haussler has claimed victory in the rain-affected first stage of the Tour of Bavaria after overcoming Yauheni Hutarovich and Steele von Hoff in a sprint finish.
Heinrich Haussler. Photo: Action Images
Haussler, a sprint specialist, took the 204.6km stage for his team IAM Cycling and claimed the yellow jersey, but admitted conditions had been tough on the route between Vilshofen and Freilassing.
“It was raining heavily and the head wind was also very strong,” the 30-year-old said.
“I focused fully on the final stretch and I realised that I still had good legs.
“I was in a good position on the final corner and I pulled through.”
A three-man escape of German riders had pulled clear of the peloton, but their six-minute lead was not enough and they were caught with six kilometres left to go.
Haussler says he expects a hard fight to defend the lead during Thursday’s 164.7km second stage from Freilassing up to the ski resort of Reit im Winkl. – AFP
