When the Road World Championships begin in Wollongong, Australia, on Sunday, the German chances of success in the elite races are slimmer than they have been for a long time.
Maximilian Schachmann had to end the season, Lennard Kämna after the Tour de France took a break from racing, and the German champion Nils Politt also decided not to make the exhausting journey to down under. When the Road World Championships in Wollongong start in Australia, the German chances of success in the elite races are slimmer than they have been for a long time.
Neither in the individual time trial – thanks to Tony Martin a secure bank of medals for many years – nor in the road race should the German team have a chance of winning a medal. The team is led by Road Captain Nikias Arndt, who recently had to get out of the Vuelta because of a positive corona test.
Chessman weakened
Speaking of Corona. Schachmann caught the virus twice this season. Long-term infections and falls continued to affect the classic specialist in 2022, and he recently ended the season due to an exhaustion syndrome. Also at Kämna was after the strong performances Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France the tank empty. And climbing specialist Emanuel Buchmann, who was also thrown back several times due to illness, had no chance on the Deutschland Tour and is also missing in Australia.
On the other hand, some of the international stars still have big goals in Australia. Tadej Pogacar (Slovenia) has recently been in strong form again after missing the tour win. The two-time world champion Julian Alaphilippe (France) is aiming to defend his title this season despite unbelievably bad luck with a fall. The Belgians send their stars Remco Evenepoelwho just die vuelta won, and Wout van Aert into the race.
It starts on Sunday with the women’s individual time trial. Here, too, the German prospects after Lisa Brennauer’s career end are extremely slim. In addition, Lisa Klein prefers to concentrate on the track cycling world championships in October after health problems.