An incredible display of teamwork, brilliant team tactics, dogged determination and legs that become stronger day-by-day delivered Emma Johansson to the top step of the overall podium at Thüringen Rundfahrt. It is the Swedish national champion’s third overall victory at the German Tour.
 

 
Johansson started the final day of racing in fourth overall, sitting 30 seconds down on race leader Lisa Brennauer (Velocio-SRAM). With nothing to lose, Johansson and her ORICA-AIS teammates raced aggressively from the start of the 99km stage – throwing everything they had at Velocio-SRAM and the other overall contenders.
 
Twenty kilometres from the finish, Brennauer had popped from the front group. By race end, only Karol-Ann Canuel (Velocio-SRAM) could match Johansson’s strength over the undulating course. Canual took the stage win ahead of Johansson. Twenty two seconds later, Amanda Spratt beat out Lauren Stephens (TIBCO-SVB), who started the day in second overall, for the final spot on the stage podium. Brennauer came in with the second chase group at 1:26.
 

 
Stay tuned for additional details on the Johansson’s huge coup, stories from the successful week in Germany and more images – coming tomorrow!