Englishman seals first stage-race win of his career
Tuesday 19 May 2015 13:45, UK
England’s Alex Dowsett sealed the first stage-race victory of his career at Bayern Rundfahrt in Germany on Sunday by defending his slender lead on the fifth and final day.
The Movistar rider went into the 197.8km sprint stage from Hassfurt to Nurnberg with a two-second advantage over second-placed Tiago Machado (Katusha) and finished safely in the peloton in 18th place to ensure he claims this year’s yellow jersey.
Dowsett, who took the race lead by winning stage four’s individual time trial, is the second Briton to win the race in succession after Team Sky’s Geraint Thomas took overall victory last year.
Machado consolidated second place, while Jan Barta (Bora-Argon 18) rounded out the podium, 18 seconds down on Dowsett.
Dowsett said: "I’m really good at losing yellow jerseys, so keeping this one makes me really happy. When I crossed the finish line, it was phenomenal.
"These races are definitely something I wanted to target since I came here. Obviously, events with not much climbing and all flat finishes are already good for me.
"Getting into the Tour de France will be my next target. Hopefully I can make it into the Tour team, but before that, it will be the national championships. I would like to get my white skinsuit with the national stripes back for the TTs."
The final stage was won by John Degenkolb (Giant-Alpecin) ahead of Rudiger Selig (Katusha) in second place and Sam Bennett (Bora-Argon 18) in third.
Stage five result
1 John Degenkolb (Ger) Giant-Alpecin, 4:40:38
2 Rudiger Selig (Ger) Katusha, same time
3 Sam Bennett (Irl) Bora-Argon 18, st
Final general classification
1 Alex Dowsett (GB) Movistar, 20:07:29
2 Tiago Machado (Por) Katusha, +2secs
3 Jan Barta (Cze) Bora-Argon 18, +18
