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Thüringen Rundfahrt, 2009

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                                    Stage 5  Stage 5 Full  Stage 6  Stage6 Full

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Emma Johansson (Red Sun Cycling) was very happy to win the 5^th stage of the Thuringen Rundfahrt. “It was my kind of weather today. I was awake and focused. I had been frustrated with not getting any wins, so I went for everything today. Initially it was quite slow and I was a little nervous concerned that it would not break up but it turned out fine. There are so many good riders here it is really hard to get a stage. I was behind on GC so I thought I have to make it my moment today. I am pleased to have moved up on GC,” said Johansson. Looking to the final stage, Johansson added, “I am starting to feel much better as the race is going on, I was slow and did not really get into the racing at the start of the week and to get this good win sets me up for a good day tomorrow.”

Susanne Ljungskog (Team Flexpoint) was disappointed not to have won the stage but happy with second, “I really tried hard and it was very difficult. The conditions were bad today but I am pleased,” said Ljungskog.

Andrea Bosman (Dutch National Team) was awarded the most combative rider on stage 5 after she created the first of the decisive attacks on lap 5. “I though today I would attack, it was hard with the wind and the hill. I tried first and I got way with a group. Then when the attack went with the three riders I knew any chance of victory had gone for me,” said Bosman

Linda Villumsen (Team Columbia HTC) managed to hold on for sixth on the stage and a slim 33 second lead over Vos, “I did not really have anything left to chase the break and the others just sat in behind me. Then they decided to chase and then I had to chase them in the end to keep the gap down,” said Villumsen. Villumsen is realistic about the final stage, “It would be good to win but tomorrow is a difficult stage,” added Villumsen.  

Sarah Duster (Cervelo Test Team) had a hard race today, despite starting the winning break she could not compete with Ljungskog and Johansson into the final 1km, “It was so hard, it was windy the whole day and the rain was horrible. There were so many attacks and when Andrea Bosman attacked and Johansson went with her I followed and a group formed. I decided to attack just before the big climb, I was pulling really hard and they [the bunch] chased me. Only Susanna [Ljungskog] and Emma [Johansson] came with me, then on the last climb I was ‘caputo’. I am happy with my result, because I tried really hard. I thought I have to try to see if I can win but I did not. Tomorrow is a tough day so I hope I can stay up there,” said Duster.     

Tina Liebig (DSB Bank) was happy to still be in the Mountain jersey,  “Yes of course I am very happy and we will try to keep it tomorrow. We try tomorrow to get Marianne [Vos] into Yellow tomorrow so not sure if I can keep it I will have to check what the gap is,” said Liebig.

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