Sebastian Lang hopes to win Men's World Championship TT

Germany's biggest time trial expert is bringing his influence to bear at the World Championship in Stuttgart. Michael Rich, Olympic Champion and three-time World Champship runner-up, coached the German medal hope Sebastian Lang for a week in southern Germany. Daily interval training formed the core of the schedule designed to propel the man from Erfurt to at least get close to a spot on the podium.

Lang, who placed fifth last year stated,"Firstly, I am glad I'm able to complete at all. This has been a catastrophic year." A fractured heel prevented him from competing and training. He recently tested his form at the Tour of Poland.

The second German Cycling Association (BDR) representative is also counting on a Top 10 placing. Bert Grabsch has been one of the main contenders since winning the Vuelta a Espana time trial."You obviously can't compare the course in Spain with the one at the World Championship in Stuttgart. It was basically a straight course down there but here there's a twist and turns - and climbs. You need a lot of strength and a home World Championship is additionally motivating," said Grabsch. Grabsch believes that Cancellera will be on the podium and that Spanish champion Gutierrez is also a medal contender.