For the second time in his career, Leopold Koenig has won the Czech Cycling Tour this year after winning it for the first time in 2010. The 25-year-old Czech rider from Team NetApp-Endura laid the foundation for his overall victory in yesterday’s Queen Stage, which he confidently decided for himself with a soloist finish. His third place sprint finish in today’s final stage secured his overall victory.

Koenig, who participated in the tour alongside fellow teammate and Czech national champion Jan Barta, has now given his team its eighth win of the season. Barta ended the tour in sixth place. 

“I completed my training in the Dolomites two days before the tour. On yesterday’s stage I wanted to test my legs and it went very well. Even still, the tour was not easy, but it was enough for a win, which makes me very happy. My team, and Jan in particular, were very strong and gave me the best possible support,” Leo Koenig said.

“Our plan was for Leo to give his all in the Queen Stage and to use the tour as preparation. Of course we are delighted that it was enough for the overall victory,” Team Manager Ralph Denk said, commenting on the win.

“The tour served as a reentry onto the racing scene after Leo had to withdraw from the Dauphiné prematurely due to illness. A regeneration phase is planned this coming week before the training camp in Italy begins on Sunday. The next race will be the Tour of Poland,” Denk went on to explain.