Michael Rich has won the German Elite National TT Championships, beating Gerolsteiner teammate and similarly-ace time trialist and 2002 winner Uwe Peschel, who himself beat another Gerolsteiner man Sebastien Lang into third - quite comfortably. Rich was narrowly edged out by 7 seconds by Peschel last year, so his more comfortable win here will avenge his defeat, though the two 'Water Boys' are very good friends. Rich started before Peschel and flew around the course to a great time - too great for Peschel to beat.

Meanwhile, their (considerably!) younger teammate Lang surprisingly beat Credit Agricole leader Jens Voigt into 4th by just 9 seconds. With this form, Gerolsteiner's time trial prospects, if nothing else, look excellent with a podium whitewash today.

Result

1. Michael Rich (Gerolsteiner) 45m 46s 56ms
2. Uwe Peschel (Gerolsteiner) 46m 08s 35ms
3. Sebastien Lang (Gerolsteiner) 46m 59s 21ms
4. Jens Voigt (Credit Agricole) 47m 08s 49ms
5. Bert Grabsch (Phonak) 47m 28s 37ms

There will also be a German TT diary from one of the Junior competitors in the coming week....