THIS WEEK IN PRO CYCLING
Kreuziger takes stage and jersey at Swiss Tour
Liquigas’s Roman Kreuziger, a former world junior road champion, turned in a spectacular performance Saturday, winning the eighth stage of the Tour de Suisse, a 25-kilometer uphill time, and vaulting into the overall lead with just one stage remaining.
Kreuziger, who began the day in second place overall, trailing High Road’s Kim Kirchen by 27 seconds, was the only rider to better the time of Caisse d’Epargne’s Jose Rujano, who set an early standard in the time trial from the village of Altdorf to the top of the hor categorie Klausenpass. The Czech rider completed the stage in 1:00:22, 16 seconds faster than Rujano.
Kirchen finished the day, well down with a 1:03:47, 3:25 off of Kreuziger's pace.
Kreuziger moves into the overall lead, now 49 seconds ahead of Andreas Klöden, who finished third (1:00:39), and 1:55 ahead of one-time yellow jersey holder Igor Anton of Euskaltel.
Kreuziger, a former world junior champion, finished second in this year's Tour of Romandy behind Klöden.
"Until now, my world junior title in 2004 was the finest thing that I have done," said the Czech who takes a 49-second lead over Klöden into the final day.
Despite his lead, Kreuziger is not taking anything for granted.
"The Tour of Switzerland isn't finished yet,” the 22-year-old said. “I haven't won anything and the last stage will be a difficult one. Klöden can attack but happily I have a good team and a 50-second lead, that's not bad.
"I think this Tour is good preparation for the Tour of France. It will be the first time I have taken part in the Tour. I am going there to learn."
Read today's Live Update
Top 10
1. Roman Kreuziger, (Cz), Liquigas, 25km in 1:00:22(24.848 kph)
2. Jose Rujano, (Vz), Caisse d'Epargne, at 0:16
3. Andreas Kloden, (G), Astana, at 0:17
4. Damiano Cunego, (I), Lampre, at 0:54
5. Frank Schleck, (Lux), CSC, at 1:26
6. Jens Voigt, (G), CSC, at 1:35
7. Igor Anton, (Sp), Euskaltel-Euskadi, at 1:49
8. Thomas Lovkvist, (S), Team High Road, at 2:08
9. Andy Schleck, (Lux), CSC, at 2:20
10. Laurens Tendam, (Nl), Rabobank, at 2:50
Top 10 Overall
1. Roman Kreuziger, (Cz), Liquigas 31:42:31
2. Andreas Kloden, (G), Astana, at 49
5. Igor Anton, (Sp), Euskaltel-Euskadi, at 1:55
4. Damiano Cunego, (I), Lampre, at 2:11
5. Thomas Lovkvist, (S), Team High Road, at 2:37
6. Andy Schleck, (Lux), CSC, at s.t.
7. Kim Kirchen, (Lux), Team High Road, at 2:58
8. Markus Fothen, (G), Gerolsteiner, at 4:08
9. Christian Knees, (G), Milram, at 4:18
10. Laurens Tendam, (Nl), Rabobank, at 4:26
