Former World time trial champion uses local knowledge before rain disrupts the later starters
Hanka Kupfernagel (German National Team) won the fourth stage time trial, the Rund um Schleiz. The 2007 World time trial champion beat Regina Bruins (Cervélo TestTeam) by 10 seconds, and race leader Olga Zabelinskaya (Safi-Pasta Zara) by 26 seconds.
“I got to the finish fastest, but I never expected that I would win,” said Kupfernagel after the stage. “The course was tough, but even tougher are my fans here that drive me on.”
Starting midway through the field, Kupfernagel used her local knowledge to post the fastest time so far over the hilly course. Bruins managed to get close to the German’s time but unfortunately for the late starters, those in the top 15 overall, heavy rain started to fall, making the course slippery.
Nevertheless, Zabelinskaya managed to come within 26 seconds of Kupfernagel, to finish third on the stage and increase her lead overall. Edita Pucinskaite (Gausse-RDZ-Ormu) finished 1’48” behind Kupfernagel to move into second overall ahead of Noemi Cantele (HTC-Columbia), who finished in 18th at 1’56”.
Result stage 4
1. Hanka Kupfernagel (Ger) German National Team
2. Regina Bruins (Ned) Cervélo TestTeam @ 10s
3. Olga Zabelinskaya (Rus) Safi-Pasta Zara @ 26s
4. Hanna Solovey (Ukr) Ukraine National Team @ 27s
5. Trixi Worrack (Ger) Team Noris Cycling @ 34s
6. Irene Van Den Broek (Ned) Netherlands National Team @ 1’01”
7. Sarah Düster (Ger) Cervélo TestTeam @ 1’03”
8. Ellen Van Dijk (Ned) HTC-Columbia @ 1’04”
9. Lisa Brennauer (Ger) German National Team @ 1’09”
10. Latoya Brulee (Bel) RedSun Cycling Team @ 1’12”
Standings after stage 4
1. Olga Zabelinskaya (Rus) Safi-Pasta Zara
2. Edita Pucinskaite (Ltu) Gauss-RDZ-Ormu @ 2’55”
3. Noemi Cantele (Ita) HTC-Columbia @ 3’00”
4. Irene Van Den Broek (Ned) Netherlands National Team @ 3’37”
5. Elena Kuchinskaya (Rus) Gauss-RDZ-Ormu @ 3’52”