Michael Rogers (Team Sky) extended his overall lead in the Bayern-Rundfahrt with a powerful display in the stage four time trial in Feuchtwangen. The former three-time World time trial champion completed the rolling 26.4km course in a time of 31’14”, four seconds faster than compatriot and Sky teammate Richie Porte, and 16 seconds ahead of Jérôme Coppel (Saur-Sojasun).
The Australian, who had taken the race lead after his breakaway victory in the second stage, started last and, with Porte’s time to aim at, took his second win in the race.
“I was really happy with my performance and I was able to get out a good time trial and hold onto the lead,” said Rogers afterwards. “I was a little bit more motivated with the yellow on the back. That always brings the best out and I’m really happy.
“Richie had a really good ride. Luckily I was able to just duck under him there by a few seconds. The whole team did well really with Kosta [Siutsou] fifth and Christian [Knees] seventh.”
Rogers extended his overall lead, with Coppel jumping to second overall, 25 seconds back, with Vladimir Gusev (Katusha) slipping to third.
“Obviously we’re going to be aiming for it to end in a bunch sprint tomorrow,” Rogers explained. “First and foremost we have to keep it together. We haven’t got any sprinters here so our goal is solely to maintain the jersey.
“The sprinters can do their thing and we can just duck and weave hopefully.”