For the third time this year, I had a flat tire shortly before the finish of an important race. Today it hit me in Hamburg about 1000 meter before the finish line. Hamburg, of all places!

I find this race to be so great. I absolutely wanted to win and it looked good, too. I had a optimal position, but then in a curve I felt how my rear wheel drifted away. At first I thought there was a light oil film on the road, rolled a bit and tested the air with a short pressure on the saddle and noticed that the rim was coming through.

Of course I was terribly disappointed, and pounded on my handlebars. But I couldn’t change it any more.

The good thing that I am taking out of this race is that at any rate my legs are very good. In the finale I felt really great. Oh well, now I must just look forward. As I said, my disappointment is huge. But I will come back to Hamburg.

Photos: roth-foto.de