The European Championships in Munich should be the final point?
Brennauer: Yes, I’ll take everything with me there again. I’m also nominated for the road races. And being on the track before that was a big goal of mine after I didn’t know what goals I should set myself last year. I’m motivated to do something in Munich.
What successes do you particularly like to look back on?
Brennauer: The big highlight was last year’s Olympic victory (in the track foursome), that was also my biggest win emotionally. But in general the successes of the last year, that was the most successful year of my career. What I look back on with great fondness is the 2014 World Championships in Ponferrada with two titles in the team and in the individual time trial and second place in the road race. This is a week I will never forget. The European Games 2018 in Glasgow were also a highlight because things didn’t go that well before.
What else sticks?
Brennauer: Looking back, I noticed that I had relatively few setbacks in terms of health and injuries. I am incredibly grateful for that. Not many have that. I once hurt my finger badly or broke my upper arm on the track. But as risky as our sport is, it’s actually nothing. I was so lucky there.
In terms of success, you are on the same level as Judith Arndt or Kristina Vogel. What does that mean to you?
Brennauer: These are people I looked up to. I’ve always thought: if I were there… If I take Kristina Vogel: I remember all the pictures of her jubilantly driving around the track. I just never won anything. And when I got my first international win on the track in Glasgow, I still remember that I contacted her straight away and said: “I wanted to drive around the track as jubilantly as you do.” Being put on the same level as people like that makes you proud.
They addressed the revived women’s Tour de France. What were your impressions?
Brennauer: It was a really tough week, but also really cool. The atmosphere and so many spectators – I haven’t seen that in my whole career. Even if you were 15 minutes behind, people celebrated you. It was very special.
Does that give women’s cycling the push it needs?
Brennauer: It was a great platform and a huge step forward that took place there. It’s a format and a boost that women’s cycling has needed. But we’re still a long way from where we could be. There is still a lot possible. A lot has happened in terms of infrastructure in the teams, but it’s not the end yet. There’s still a lot of room for improvement there. But women’s cycling is no longer exotic. You could feel that.