Emanuel Buchmann and Maximilian Schachmann presented themselves in strong tour form, but the falls at the weekend were a serious setback for the duo. Is it still enough for the Tour of France?
Berlin (dpa) - After the falls at the weekend, the start of the Tour de France is still uncertain for the two German bike stars Emanuel Buchmann and Maximilian Schachmann.
"You can't give the all-clear and assume that everything will go smoothly," said sports director Enrico Poitschke to the "Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger" in the Buchmann case and added: "If Emu can't train well for the next ten days, then you just have to say that it no longer has the shape it needs. Then we may have to see whether we might focus on other goals with it. "
Buchmann fell on a downhill run in the French Alps on Saturday and suffered severe bruises and abrasions. Born in Ravensburg, he was in third place in the overall ranking and presented himself in great shape. The 27-year-old wants to get on the podium at the tour. "It is important that he drives higher loads in the next few days, because you can't accelerate anything," added Poitschke.
Things look even worse for Schachmann, who at least does not need an operation after breaking his collarbone on the Lombardy tour. His tour participation is extremely questionable and depends on the healing process. "The chance is there, but small," said his team to Bora-hansgrohe when asked by the dpa.
The Berliner collided with a car and fell on Saturday shortly before the finish on a descent. The injury continues to be treated conservatively. Schachmann was already skeptical about a possible tour participation. "I suspect that it is very unlikely that I will drive. The break will definitely not be healed at the start of the tour," said the 26-year-old Berliner in an interview with "Bild".
"You just have to see how the pain level develops. Can I steer the bike without restrictions and can I drive through a pothole without screaming or if I already have huge pain when I reach for the water bottle," said Schachmann. Due to the Corona crisis this year, the Tour of France will start in Nice on August 29th.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 200818-99-215102 / 4
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