Strong start in Alba Iulia for the REMBE Pro Cycling™ Team Sauerland in the Tour of Romania

This determined the entire difficult first stage from Deva to Alba Iulia over 165 kilometers. The fact that it was not possible to roll in comfortably on this section became apparent on the first 24% steep climb after almost 10 kilometers. “The day was as hot as an oven. From start to finish it was always 37-38 degrees. The race exploded on the first climb and some starters even had to push. Luckily we had three riders at the front: Koech, Appelbaum and Wright. Koech, who was unlucky, had a puncture during the race and had to fight his way back to the front over 20 kilometers alone,” reported Greg Henderson, sporting director of the REMBE Pro Cycling™Team Sauerland. Just behind the Astana team, the Sauerlanders took second place in the team rankings.


On today's 2nd day, Paul Wright once again made it into the group of the day. Together with four other drivers, the New Zealander drove almost 100 kilometers ahead of the field in Sauerland service and won all of the sprint classifications of the day. The veteran is now the new leader of the race's sprint jersey. “The first goal of the day was achieved with Wright’s success. At the end of the day there was still a tough final climb waiting for the racers. Here Henri Appelbaum showed his good legs and with 11th place kept the door open for a good placement in the overall ranking. The second stage took the international field of riders over 159 kilometers from Alba Iulia to Paltins.

The Tour of Romania is part of the UCI racing calendar and ends on Sunday in Bucharest. Yesterday there were 142 drivers from all over Europe at the start.