GRABSCH RIDES GIANT TO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

German wins time trial gold on Giant prototype bike

VARESE, ITALY (SEPTEMBER 25)—Bert Grabsch of Germany won the Time Trial World Championship Thursday while riding a new Giant prototype time trial bike. The 33-year-old Team Columbia rider covered the mostly flat, 43.7-kilometer course in 52 minutes, 1.6 seconds—more than 42 seconds faster than second-place finisher Svein Tuft of Canada. Grabsch averaged 50.407 kilometers per hour on his aerodynamic Giant bike.

Grabsch, a two-time German time trial champion (2007, 2008), was the first German to win a TT world championship since Jan Ullrich in 2001. Though the 11-year-veteran of the pro peloton isn’t as well-known as some other stars from Team Columbia, he was considered one of the favorites going into Thursday’s race. Grabsch won a time trial at last year’s Vuelta a Espana and scored several stage wins in international events this year.

Grabsch won while riding the radically shaped prototype Giant time trial machine that was unveiled at the Tour de France in July.

The 2008 Road World Championships continue through Sunday, culminating with the elite men’s road race.

About Giant

Giant, the world’s leading provider of high-quality bicycles, has been devoted to cycling culture and sport since 1972. Today, Giant combines innovative technology and manufacturing expertise to create products that are perfectly suited to every type of rider. Committed to inspiring adventure in all cyclists, from casual to competitive, Giant aims to promote the cycling lifestyle all around the world. For more information, go to giant-bicycles.com.