Team Milram captain Linus Gerdemann will return to racing this Sunday in the most important of the Ardennes Classics, Liège-Bastogne-Liège. The German has now recovered from a bout with bronchitis two weeks after having to abandon the Vuelta al Pais Vasco following stage four. Having missed the other two Ardennes Classics, Gerdemann will find it tough to secure a top result, but his presence should be good for the team's chances.
"We hope for a good return by Linus Gerdemann. He is healthy again and will strengthen us on Sunday," said Milram sports director Christian Henn. "Christian Knees has shown an improved performance in the Fleche Wallonne. We hope for a good race from him, too."
Unfortunately, as Gerdemann returns to the line-up, climber Thomas Rohregger will be forced to miss the start this Sunday. The Austrian is suffering from an intestinal infection and will now take a break until the Tour of Romandie. He will use the Swiss race to prepare for the Giro d'Italia, a big target for the German team.
Fabian Wegmann, who has recently made his return to the peloton after a collarbone fracture, crashed into a guardrail at the Fleche Wallonne yesterday, but is expected to ride in Liège-Bastogne-Liège. He was able to train today with teammates Paul Voß and Dominik Roels, who were also involved in the pile-up.
"Last night went ok. Despite the pain I could more or less sleep," explained Wegmann Thursday morning. "The biggest problem is a bruise on my left thumb , which keeps me from properly holding the handlebar. But that will be ok again by Sunday."
Milram for the 2010 Liège-Bastogne-Liège:
Johannes Fröhlinger (GER/Freiburg im Breisgau), Linus Gerdemann (GER/Kreuzlingen,SUI), Christian Knees (GER/Euskirchen), Niki Terpstra (NED/Krommenie), Dominik Roels (GER/Köln), Paul Voß (GER/Bielefeld), Fabian Wegmann (GER/Freiburg im Breisgau), Peter Wrolich (AUT/Klagenfurt)
Directeur Sportif:
Christian Henn (GER)