Unfortunately I didn’t get the hoped-for top result in Rund um Köln today. But still, I won the sprint of the peloton for sixth place. Our team missed the chance of getting into a large break group, which at the end was five men and which saw Tom Boonen take the win.

The additional mountain training in the Sierra Nevada the last three weeks sure made itself noticed today. Only at the beginning of the race did I not have good legs. That was surely due to the long trip and after all, my body has to get used to it again.

By the way, my sprint values were very good again. I am on the best way back to my old strength. And I could even work on my climbing form – yes, even sprinters have that ;-) - even though some of my teammates, especially Warren Barguil, set a very high standard. But I did fairly well and as I said, could feel the first effects today.

Now I will stay home for two days and then travel to the ZLM Tour.

Photos: roth-foto.de