Tour of Switzerland’s Stage 8 Won By Roman Kreuziger of Liquigas
ALTORF, Switzerland, June 21, 2008 (AFP) - Czech rider Roman Kreuziger, of the Liquigas team, won the eighth stage of the Tour of Switzerland here on Saturday to seize the yellow jersey ahead of Sunday’s final day.
The 22-year-old was first over the 25km time-trial in one hour and 22 seconds, in front of Venezuelan Jose Rujano, of the Caisse d’Epargne team, and German Andreas Kloden, of Astana.
Kreuziger left Luxembourg’s Kim Kirchen (High Road) standing in his wake, opening up three-minute-plus gap to take the coveted yellow jersey.
The Czech now has a commanding lead going into Sunday’s ninth and final 168km stage to Swiss capital Bern and, barring any mishaps, is looking the favourite to land his first Pro Tour victory.
Kreuziger, a former world junior champion, finished second in this year’s Tour of Romandy behind Andreas Kloden.
“Until now, my world junior title in 2004 was the finest thing that I have done,” said the Czech who takes a 49-second lead over Kloden into the final day.
“The Tour of Switzerland isn’t finished yet. I haven’t won anything and the last stage will be a difficult one. Kloden can attack but happily I have a good team and a 50-sec lead, that’s not bad.
“I think this Tour is good preparation for the Tour of France. It will be the first time I have taken part in the Tour. I am going there to learn.”
Photo by: CorVos Pro
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