His fourth place in the Tour de France last year whetted Emanuel Buchmann's appetite for more. But after a fall during the tour dress rehearsal, the situation has changed. The injuries make the 27-year-old difficult.
Nice (dpa) - Emanuel Buchmann was in really good shape before a fall slowed him down on the Dauphiné tour. The severe bruises seriously disrupted the preparation of the German cyclist for the Tour de France.
Is it still enough for a front placement on the tour? In an interview with the German Press Agency, the professional cyclist speaks about his form, the tour ambitions and the Corona measures.
How is your health after the serious fall on the Dauphiné tour?
Emanuel Buchmann: It was better. I'm still in pain, but can now train again, not yet as originally planned, but at least. I definitely lost a couple of important days of training, but I concentrated on therapy last week.
How much did the fall set you back for the tour?
Buchmann: I'll have to wait and see how much energy the whole thing took. The fall is bitter because I was in really good shape. Let's see, maybe everything will work out and I'll recover quickly. My goal is still the podium. But there are a couple of question marks. Especially since things are about to start right away. There is no time to curl up. Already on the second stage it goes into the mountains.
Question: Why have there been so many serious falls in cycling since the restart?
Answer: I think the reasons are different. But it has to be said that the choice of routes is certainly not optimal.
Question: Downhill sprints, cobblestone passages or poorly asphalted descents - do the athletes have to use their health for the spectacle?
Answer: I don't know if that is the idea behind it. I hope not. But around Megève, for example (note: Buchmann fell on a descent nearby) there are a lot of roads. You could have taken another one.
Question: With regard to your form and that of the competition - what is the objective for the tour?
Answer: The goal was the podium. At the Dauphiné I was probably the strongest behind Roglic before my fall, together with Pinot. You will only see where I stand now. It's like I've always said. A lot is possible, but everything has to fit, especially in preparation. Unfortunately, we didn't realize that.
Question: Many stars like Froome, Thomas or Kruijswijk are missing. Is even the big coup possible?
Answer: In the current circumstances, I will concentrate fully on myself for now. I have to be fit and in the best possible shape.
Question: Who do you see in the role of favorites?
Answer: Roglic fell, too, but looked best at the Dauphiné. Bernal got away without a crash, so his preparation should be optimal. Just like Pinot. From my point of view, these are the favorites.
Question: How do you rate the tour's package of Corona measures?
Everything humanly possible is being done. It's good. I hope that the audience will also stick to the measures.
Question: The number of infections is increasing in France. How big is the concern that the tour won't go through as planned?
Answer: Since we are in our own bubble, I'm not really worried.
Question: A positive Corona test would be the end of all tour dreams. Are you worried about the spectators on the track?
Answer: As I said, if everyone adheres to the measures, then nothing should happen.
ABOUT THE PERSON: Emanuel Buchmann (27) is a professional cyclist with the Bora-hansgrohe team. In 2019, the native of Ravensburg finished the Tour de France in fourth place and thus ensured the best German placement since 2006. Buchmann won the German road cycling championship in 2015.
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