Rodger impresses in cycle tour in Germany

Waikato rider Shem Rodger produced a courageous display to challenge for the win on the penultimate stage of the Thuringen-Rundfahrt International under-23 road race in Germany.

Rodger attacked in solo burst to chase down the sole leader in the 140km brutal hilly stage to Masserberg including two and a half laps of a finishing circuit.

He got to within 15 seconds of leader David Rosch (Germany)with two laps to go but was ultimately rounded up on the final lap, with the chasers led by his compatriot and world championship pursuit medallist Jesse Sergent, riding for his US-based Trek Livestrong team.

Rosch hung on to edge out the bunch for the stage victory with Aucklander’s Aaron Gate safely in the peloton in a strong performance and Rodger losing some time after being caught.

“Shem, after his heroic ride, impressed with his attitude to take the race on, in the toughest stage, right at the sharp end,” coach Stu McDonald said.

“Aaron comfortably finished in the peloton and will now look to move up the overall standings in tomorrow’s final stage.”

The kiwi team lost two riders today with Shane Archbold withdrawing with the affects of his arm injury sustained in the previous race while teenager Ruaraidh McLeod also withdrew after working hard in the team role today.

Tomorrow’s final stage of 145km to Hermsdorf is mostly flat with Germany’s John Degenkolb (Thuringer Energie Team) holding a three second advantage over Australia’s Tim Roe (Trek-Livestrong).