VERBIER, Switzerland, 19 June 2005 — Spanish rider Pablo Lastras won yesterday’s eighth stage of the Tour of Switzerland, with Australian Michael Rogers holding the overall race lead going into the final day’s racing.
Under the blazing sun 25-year-old Lastras broke away in the final climb to the ski station of Verbier to come in some 16 seconds ahead of compatriot Carlos Barredo with German rider Fabian Wegmann in third after 162km of racing.
Quick Step rider Rogers — who looks set to leave for the elite T-Mobile team — crossed the line 1min 21sec later in the same time as his leading rival Jan Ullrich of Germany, to hold his 20-second advantage ahead of today’s 100km final stage which includes three Alpine climbs.
“I’m very happy to have held the yellow jersey. The stage was tough from the outset with a lot of wind. But my team helped me. In the final climb the heat was stifling,” said Rogers.
“I’m not afraid for the next stage even though the climbs are longer.
“Everyone is feeling tired. Ullrich isn’t the only one who can attack. Aitor Gonzalez made quite an impression.
“From the first hill we’ll have to watch out for those riders who try to break away. Anything can happen,” added the Australian.
Lastras of the Baleares team has already won four stages in three big races - one in the Tour of Italy, two the Tour of Spain and one in the Tour de France.
