Nils Politt stormed up the Kahler Asten with a powerful kick and clenched his fists at a height of 850 meters. The professional cyclist from Cologne drives to the Tour de France in the jersey of the German champion.
Politt clinched victory for the first time in the title fights in Sauerland and presented himself in strong condition five days before the Grand Depart in Copenhagen. The 28-year-old won after 189 kilometers from Neheim to Winterberg ahead of fellow escapees Nikias Arndt and Simon Geschke.
Tour de France stage victory, winner of the Deutschland Tour, home victory at Rund um Köln and now national champion for the first time – within twelve months, Tempobolzer and noble helper Politt has become a winning driver. The 28-year-old succeeds his Bora-hansgrohe teammate Maximilian Schachmann, who had to pass due to a positive corona test and is currently worried about his tour participation.
In the women’s race, Liane Lippert secured the title for the second time after 2018. The 24-year-old from Friedrichshafen prevailed after 122 kilometers in the sprint of a five-man lead group in front of Ricarda Bauernfeind and Nadine Gill. “I put pressure on myself. It was mentally more difficult than in 2018, when nobody expected me,” added the driver of the DSM team.
Politt and Arndt break away early
The men’s race on the difficult course with around 3000 meters of altitude was almost like a elimination race. Politt and Arndt left the field early in a small group. But when it came down to it, fellow breakaways Simon Geschke and time trial champion Lennard Kämna could no longer keep up with the pace. Five kilometers from the finish, Politt continued alone with his powerful kick.