Skip Navigation
Change Font Size:
Astana’s Andreas Klöden successfully defended his leader’s jersey to win this year’s overall Tour de Romandie title, becoming the first-ever German to win the event. For the two-time Tour de France runner-up, the win signals a return to form after being hampered by early season illnesses.
“Winning the Tour de Romandie is…a great satisfaction in one of the most beautiful tests in the ProTour,” noted a jubilant Klöden. Adding to his excitement was his team’s last-minute invitation to participate in this year’s Giro d’Italia: “It is true that this happiness is doubled by being able to take part in the Giro, knowing that the Tour de Romandie is the best preparation.”
With the Giro set to kick-off just six days after Romandie, Kloden and his Astana teammates will have little time to savor victory. Kloden, who’s already received the nod as team captain, will spend the few days running up to the Giro maintaining his impressive form. “Now Andreas can focus on the overall title in the Giro d'Italia,” said Astana team spokesman Philippe Maertens. “Right now, he is the strongest of our three captains – himself, Alberto Contador and Levi Leipheimer, all of whom will be at the start in Italy. After the first time trial we will see how he is.”
With three of the world’s top riders set to take to the line, arguably the strongest team in the Pro Tour, and still stinging from the ASO’s Tour de France snub, Astana will no doubt fight for the maglia rosa with every tool in its arsenal, promising world-class racing from start to finish. Stay tuned (May 10 – June 1) as Astana looks to capture the season’s first Grand Tour.