Geschke: “I’m proud of my teammates”
Finally, Geschke had neither the legs nor the team after the strenuous nine days. As a jersey wearer, there are various additional obligations for a professional. Every day on the podium, signing jerseys, doping controls, numerous interviews. Something like that is stressful, especially on a three-week tour. In addition, Geschke’s team was reduced to just five drivers due to three retirements. You can’t close every hole, you can’t keep up with every attack.
The Berliner’s feelings about the loss of the jersey were correspondingly mixed. “I’m glad it’s over, but also sad that it wasn’t enough. I’m proud of my teammates and second place – and of course overwhelmed by the support from Germany,” said Geschke. You can’t blame yourself.
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On the contrary. After his initially rather accidental trip into the mountain jersey, Geschke promoted cycling with his dogged and self-sacrificing fighting style – in Germany and France. Since Geschke is on the road for the Cofidis team, which has been chronically unsuccessful on the tour and has been waiting for a stage win in the world’s largest cycling race for 14 years, the hearts of the French naturally flew to him. “Allez Simon” or “Bravo Simon” was still being called out to him by the fans on the side of the road when he was already beaten and rolled back from the Hautacam ski station to the bus in the valley.
Geschke’s superiors were also satisfied. “If we see Jonas Vingegaard win the mountain jersey then we have nothing to regret,” said sporting director Bingen Fernandez. A second place behind the overall winner is still very honorable.
Geschke will certainly enjoy the trip to Paris in foreign clothes. It may even be the last time that the veteran will cycle to the French capital. His contract with Cofidis expires at the end of next year. And in what may be his last year as a professional, Geschke would like to ride the Giro d’Italia again and thus forgo the tour.