Only three seconds separate the fast American from the overall podium of one of the oldest races in the world.
Luke Lamperti came close to what would have been his first top three finish of the week in Germany, but despite missing out on the podium, the 21-year-old from Santa Rosa still had reasons to be content after the penultimate day, as he moved up in the standings.
One of the most consistent neo-pros since the beginning of the season, Luke made a bold move at the last intermediate sprint, jumping from the peloton to pick up two bonus seconds. This happened minutes ago after his Soudal Quick-Step teammate Gil Gelders had been caught by the bunch after a daring attack which at one point had almost 20 seconds with only ten kilometers to go.
The bonus seconds he took in Villingen-Schwenningen elevated Lamperti two places in the general classification at the end of the 211.1km stage won by Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek). The three-time US Criterium National Champion is seventh now ahead of the Deutschland Tour final day, which concludes in Saarbrücken after a series of steep climbs that lend themselves to a late attack.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images
Luke Lamperti 