Paris-Nice today it faces the second stage, and the German one Maximilian Schachmann (Bora) hopes to defend the title he won last year, although he knows it will not be easy, because he has very strong rivals in front of him.
Schachmann, 27, is a mature runner who wants to become stronger in day and week races. and is a key piece in changing the philosophy of his team, which previously sought partial triumphs with Peter Sagan. He’s a field pilot.
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Schachmann has 11 career wins. In addition to the Paris-Nice title in 2020, he won the GP of Premio Industria & Artigianato and won stages in the Giro d’Italia, the Basque Country, the Tour of Catalonia.
EL TIEMPO spoke with him, and the runner shared his expectations for 2021, which he believes about Nairo Quintana and talked about Egan Bernal’s options.
Does Nairo Quintana lose his prominence when he is in a second tier team?
I don’t think he lost his prominence. Arkea is a good team with an ambitious project. We also meet Nairo and he is a runner who never gives up, one of the great climbers in the mountains is too strong. I recognize his qualities. He is a cyclist who has excelled.
Nairo Quintana, Colombian cyclist.
Another rider who can get a big win on a big one?
I think you can do it. He’s a great runner. He has his conditions and experience.
Should Colombians be reassured by Egan Bernal after what happened to him in 2020, or is he worried?
Honestly, I’ve never talked to Egan, I don’t know much about him, but I hope he recovers because cycling needs him. He is a very good, strong runner. I saw his performance and he did very well. He will fight the big races. He has a big smile (laughs). He is a leader and has a lot of strength.
How do you get to Paris-Nice in order to defend the title?
That’s a good question (laughs). I did not compete or compete this year. Although I trained a lot to reach an ideal level of competition. I prepared a lot at altitude on the roads of Spain. I think I’ll be at a good level, but until I’m in competition, where other types of situations are seen, I won’t really know how I will be. I know I trained very hard.
This year there are stronger rivals than in 2020, such as Primoz Roglic …
There are indeed very strong runners. You said it, there’s Primoz. I know they will make it much more difficult for me, which there is no doubt about. I think we will see a race with a very strong pace and devastating steps. There are specialists in one-week races, so it will be a very, very, very difficult Paris-Nice.
Due to the route and the rivals, will it be more difficult to defend the champion condition?
As for the route, it will be very similar to last year and it was difficult. You need to review your career very well, the steps in which we can be strong; Also, look at those who can attack us and go step by step. I think the mountain will be final.
Last year, I remember a lot when Nairo Quintana wreaked havoc on the last stage
Why do you have to be careful?
Last year, I remember a lot when Nairo Quintana wreaked havoc in the last stage, and now I know how to take care of those types of riders who climb very hard, like Roglic or Tao Hart. I don’t know which team Ineos comes with, maybe Richie Porte. It will be a great race to watch.
How is your health after last year’s accident at Giro Lombardia, when you hit a car that was crossed?
I’m feeling very well. I had no more pain or misfortune during my recovery. My body was fine. We were very lucky, because it was a very strong blow, but we are good.
What must be done to prevent this from happening?
I think there are racing situations and you play with luck. Steps have been taken to be safer in the mountains, but accidents do happen and I am proof of that. It’s everyone’s business, but it’s luck.
Has Bora changed the philosophy of fighting for classic victories and going to races for one or three weeks?
I think we changed the way we run and became interested in racing. Now we have other goals and we have improved as a team. It’s cycling and we’re evolving. For example, now we have the chance to do well in the mountains, and with me the team is there. We have changed, it is true.
Paris-Nice 2020 podium: Tiesj Benoot, second; Maximilian Schachmann, champion; Sergio Higuita, third.
And what is it for?
We want victories in the big tournaments and general classifications. This year may be a little difficult, but in the future we will continue to fight. Personally, I can say that our goals in the camps were clear and I want to fight against the great rivals.
And in that order, what is your purpose according to the Bora philosophy?
I don’t like to talk much about future goals, so I’ll talk about the present. I must first be positive with my physical condition and be honest with my abilities. We would like to be in the fight for Milan-San Remo, a very beautiful and very strong race, for Bora it would be important to win a monument.
Once you know the Giro, Tour and Vuelta routes that you would like to target?
We have not yet decided what we will compete between Tur and Vuelta. It’s clear we’re not going to the Giro. We need to see how we feel in these races with our work plan. We don’t know yet.
What Colombian cyclist would you like to have on Bora?
I would like to have more, because they are very good, with many qualities, but I do not dare to say a name. I hope they don’t make it difficult for me, yes.
Lisandro Rengifo
Writing EL TIEMPO
@lisandroabel