Jens set for home tour win

A supreme performance in Tuesday's time-trial, where he finished over a minute ahead of the entire field - moved him 1'38" clear of second-placed Levi Leipheimer.

As is the case in the Tour de France, attacks on the yellow jersey on the final day are frowned upon, and the CSC rider himself admitted ahead of the final stage: "As long as I don't fall, it should be enough. Things are looking good."

His victory comes at a vital time for the Tour of Germany, whose organisers are fighting to keep interest in their event up despite the succession of drugs scandals that have dogged cycling in recent years and that have left many German fans disillusioned after national icon Jan Ullrich was implicated in the 'Operacion Puerto' affair.

Tour director Kai Rapp was understandably delighted with the success of this year's race, telling the Tour's official website: "With all the problems that have arisen, and an under-strength peloton, that was the most emotional Deutschland Tour, with an ideal winner in Jens Voigt - barring any unforeseen final stage happenings - who stands for hard work and an active role in the fight against doping."

Voigt has built his nine-year professional career upon successful breakaways on flat stages, such as his victory in stage 13 of this year's Tour de France. Standing at 1.92 metres, he is certainly not built to be a prolific climber.

But the exploits of the personable 34 year-old father of four from the Charlottenburg district of Berlin, in outperforming race favourite and defending champion Levi Leipheimer have kept the attention of cycling fans in Germany.

The benefits have already been felt, with German national broadcaster ARD confirming it would continue to cover the event, although talks over broadcasting arrangements do not begin until the end of the month.

Television coverage is vital to the Tour of Germany's future, with sponsors demanding high viewing figures if they are to spend money on the event. Voigt's likely victory may well have seen this tour through its most difficult period.