Rohregger takes over in Austria as Pidgornyy wins stage

Thomas Rohregger (Elk) took the yellow jersey as Ruslan Pidgornyy (LPR Brakes) won the third stage of the 60th Tour of Austria on Wednesday.

Rohregger took third in the 183.7km stage from Kitzbuehel to Prägraten behind Pidgornyy and Robert Gesink (Rabobank), but it was just enough to replace Anker Chris Sorensen (CSC) as the overall leader.

The CSC man slipped to third overall behind Rohregger and Pidgornyy.

“It’s like a dream,“ said Pidgornyy, who dedicated the win to his daughter on her sixth birthday and with just seven seconds separating him and Rohregger now sees himself as a candidate for the overall win.

Rohregger’s team is strong, he noted, but added: “The victory will be decided in the time trial on Saturday.“

The race leader was also very confident and said he is prepared for the time trial.

“We will fight for the yellow jersey in the next two days and in Podersdorf I will do my best performance,“ Rohregger said.

Thursday brings the longest stage of the tour, a 216.8km leg from Lienz to Wolfsberg.

FILED UNDER: Road