Germany and the Netherlands were outside the top ten in the UCI nations ranking before the Hamburg Cyclassics. This would have given both countries only six spots in the World Championships in Geelong, Australia, at the end of next month. André Greipel's third and Tom Leezer's seventh place in the last race that counted for the ranking before the World Championships ensured both nations a top ten finish. Both countries will be able to field the full nine-rider squad.
Greipel rather would have won the race and wasn't too thrilled with the fact that he saved the German team, which had already booked hotel for nine riders. But the German was well aware of the pressure on the national federation. "I knew that Germany was placed 12th in the ranking before the race," he said in the press conference following the Cyclassics, according to Radsport News. "Today we were lucky, but it could also have gone the other way."
Germany is now ranked eighth, equal on points with the Netherlands. The vice president of the German Cycling Federation, Udo Sprenger, was quite happy with the the outcome. "This was a very important third place today," he said to Radsport News. "I am very happy that it worked gain. Since I am in office we were always able to field nine riders at the Worlds."
The orange Dutch team was saved by Tom Leezer, thanks to the circumstances. Rabobank really wanted to put Graeme Brown into a position to contest for victory, but the Australian wasn't feeling too hot. So Leezer had the chance to ride for himself, which helped get crucial points for the Netherlands.
"In the end Tom looked better, like always," Dekker continued. "I told him that it will be a bunch sprint. I know the finish. It is always a fight to get in position and that is Tom's strength. He does the same work for Graeme when he is the last in line."
Dekker sees a chance that Leezer can develop into a bunch sprinter. "With the seventh place we can well live and that it is good for Dutch cycling - we take that, too."
The World Championships take place in Geelong, Australia, from September 29 to October 3. The main event, the men's road race, is on the last day of the event. Cadel Evans is the defending champion.