Maximilian Schachmann is back in active cycling. In the RBB interview, he talks about his exhaustion syndrome, which put him out of action for a long time in 2022.
We reach Maximilian Schachmann during a training camp in Tenerife. From there it’s off to France for the Paris-Nice race at the beginning of March, then to Italy’s adopted home and from there to the Milan-Sanremo race, says the native of Berlin on the phone. “From now on the calendar is full”. He still takes the time for an interview.
rbb|24: From a sporting and health point of view, 2022 was not necessarily your year. Two corona diseases and the resulting exhaustion syndrome. How did you experience this time?
Maximilian Schachmann: Of course it was a difficult year with many setbacks. Twice Covid, falls. I always came back somehow, but something always got in the way. It’s very, very exhausting mentally when you don’t feel the way you used to. I’m glad the year is over, that I’m feeling better and can face the new year with confidence.
What made you say last year that a break would be for the best?
It wasn’t that difficult because I just didn’t react to the training anymore. I trained, but I was just always tired – regardless of whether I trained a lot or a little. It always felt the same. Nothing happened anymore. You have to imagine: I got on the bike and was really exhausted after an hour or two. I never recovered from the sessions either. Even with small breaks I could not get out of the state. That’s why we decided to take a longer break to do a kind of reset. That worked well.
Race break sounds like the bike was in the corner. Was it like that?
I actually haven’t exercised for a long time, six or seven weeks. At most walking, very light loads.
Your daughter was born during your break from racing. What has changed as a result?
Of course, during the preparation phase, it is not easy to be away for almost a month every time. But I really enjoyed the last two weeks with my family. We’ve been able to balance it quite well now: life as an athlete and as a father with my wife. But it’s a change.
How quickly do you get back to the level before Corona – is that even possible?
I’m not at my top level yet. That would also be too early. But on a level where you can assume that I can reach top form in a timely manner. So everything is going according to plan and as I was used to before 2022 before Covid. It feels like I’m fully regenerated.
The Tour Down Under (January 17th to 22nd) was the first race after a break of almost six months. Australia should be a test for the spring classics. What insights were you able to take away from the stages?
I saw that the level in the field of drivers is very high, even in January. For me, the tour wasn’t a goal of the season. I took it more as training and I leave the race with a feeling because I’ve already noticed that I’m at a very good level compared to the training I’ve had up to that point. I am now confident for the start of the season in Europe.
What are your plans for the next races?
My focus now is mainly on the classics. I’m driving the Tour of Flanders for the second time (note: on April 2nd), then the Ardennes classics. I don’t know yet whether I’ll be 100% fit for the Paris-Nice race (Note: March 5th to 12th). That means: First the classics are my goal, and if I then make it into the Tour de France squad, then of course my focus is on that.
Another highlight is the World Cup in Scotland in August.
Exactly, it’s a challenge for everyone this year. Because it won’t be easy to combine the World Championships with the Tour de France, the peak performance. But I’ll try to be in very good shape at the start of the World Cup. Because I think that the road race will not be easy. I’ve driven in Scotland before, it’s very twisty and winding there. I’m expecting a difficult race – which could suit me.
Thank you for the interview!
The interview was conducted by Lynn Kraemer, rbb Sport.
Broadcast: rbb24 Inforadio, February 20th, 2023, 7:15 a.m
