Linus Gerdemann - "This is a good way to start things afresh..."

“It’s unbelievable to do what I did. These are the moments that I train for every day but I never thought that something like this would happen to me. I want to say thanks to everyone who was on the climbs and supporting me, it was a great sensation. _ “I was fighting hard the whole time but I wanted to be sure that I was okay even if I had a puncture or something like that. _ “It was important to achieve this for the team. I was given the opportunity to start all the races that I wanted to do and I have to say thanks to T-Mobile for having such faith in me. _ “Thanks also to the fans who tuned in on television. Cycling has had a big problem lately but I want to say thanks to those who believe in the sport. We have to find a new, clean way to prove how beautiful cycling is and I hope others agree that this is a good way to start things afresh. _ “It’ll be difficult to defend the lead. Michael Rogers is the team leader and I will try to support him. Today was my day and I hope the next weeks are good for Michael.”