The First Endurance sponsored Team Columbia absolutely dominated the third day of racing at the Tour de L’Ain stage race in France today by winning both stages and taking the leader’s jersey. 

Germany’s Linus Gerdemann proved he is back to his best by winning the short morning road stage. He broke away with David Moncoutie and Stephane Goubert of France in the pouring rain and then beat them in the sprint to the line. Thanks to his win Gerdemann also took the race leader’s jersey and set up overall victory. 

23 year-old Tony Martin showed his huge talent by winning the afternoon 8.8km time trial with a yet another impressive performance against the clock. Linus Gerdemann was second, just 10 seconds behind his team mate, with Frantisek Rabon completing Team Columbia’s great day with third place, 23 seconds slower than Martin.   

Gerdemann extended his lead on David Moncoutie before the last stage on Wednesday and his strong rides in both stages showed he is back to his best after breaking his femur and damaging knee ligaments in the Tirreno-Adriatico race in March. 

Gerdemann was set to target the Tour de France this year after winning the first mountain stage and wearing the yellow jersey in 2007 but has now set the Tour of Germany -his home race, as his new objective.

“It’s been a great day for Team Columbia and a really special day for Linus Gerdemann,” sports director Valerio Piva said proudly.  “The Tour de L’Ain isn’t a major stage race but there are some strong teams here and lots of riders who rode the Tour de France. We came with a motivated, and on form, team and the riders totally dominated things. Tony was great, Rabon did really well and I’m really happy for Linus.” 

“His crash in Tirreno-Adriatico could have ended his career but he’s worked hard and made a fantastic recovery. Winning has really boosted his moral and motivated him for the Tour of Germany at the end of the month.”  

The Tour de L’Ain ends on Wednesday with a final 135.8km hilly road stage. Piva is confident Team Columbia can away with the win and set their sights on bigger races in the next few weeks.  “It’s an up and down stage and so it won’t be easy to control things. But the guys are on form and super motivated after the success today and so I think we should be able to win. I’m confident we can do it,” Piva said.