Markus Eichler with a strong time trial performance in San Luis
Levi Leipheimer (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) was the fastest man on the 19.5 kilometer time trial course of the Tour de San Luis. At a scorching 40 degrees Centigrade, he beat out Vincezo Nibali (Liquigas) and Stefan Schumacher (Christina Watches) in San Luis and is now the leader in the general classification. NetApp’s Markus Eichler also showed a fighting spirit again today placing 27th and moving up two places to an overall standing of 18th.
“It was really unbelievably hot today, and the weather conditions were a challenge for the European riders in particular,” reported Sport Director Jens Heppner. “Our specialist on time trials Timon did a good job today” Heppner added, “And Markus was very strong once again today, and was only two places behind Timon. The fact that he was actually able to improve his position in the general classification after this high-ranking time trial is really good.”
Belgian Jerome Baugnies’ day was not so good. Following Timon, he has now also come down with the stomach flu. In all likelihood, however, he will be back again at the start of tomorrow’s fifth stage. The 160.6 kilometers from La Toma to Merlo run through wide stretches of flat terrain. However, a summit finish awaits the riders in the final. “It’s true that the mountain is not categorized, but it will still be difficult and there won’t be a bunch sprint at the end,” according to Jens Heppner’s assessment.
stage 1, 23 January: San Luis – Villa Mercedes, 189.3 km
stage 2, 24 January: Fraga – Juana Koslay, 145.3 km
stage 3, 25 January: Estancia Grande – Mirador del Potrero, 168.2 km
stage 4, 26 January: ITT San Luis, 1.,5 km
stage 5, 27 January: La Toma – Merlo 160.6 km
stage 6, 28 January: Lujan – Quines, 201 km
stage 7, 29 January: San Luis – San Luis, 167.1 km
