Al Tour there wasn't one and in some ways this could have been surprising. After all, Maximilian's season Schachmann proceeds a bit like this, in fits and starts, far from those peaks to which the German of the Bora Hansgrohe had become accustomed. Let us not forget that We are talking about a rider who is an absolute protagonist in the classics and short stage races, twice first in Paris-Nice, capable of fighting on equal terms with the "big shots" like pogacar e Van Aert.
His name resurfaced just as the race was taking place on the French roads. Schachmann had to fall back on Romania, on Sibiu Cycling Tour where he returned to stand out, grabbing the victory that had eluded him for a couple of years now. And that certainly affected his mood, his desire to recover.
«Obviously – admits the Berlin rider – I'm not happy with my season. At the beginning of spring I caught a virus that made me stop for 6 weeks: I was about to make my debut and I saw everything cancelled. A really bad start. So I'm still trying to get back to my old level, but it's not easy given the conditions."
How important was the victory in Sibiu, especially from a moral point of view?
It's always nice to win a cycling race again. It certainly wasn't the biggest race of the year, but crossing the finish line first is never easy. It was a nice feeling, but there's still a lot of work to do, to get back to what I want to be..
In 2019, you won seven races and were a major force in the classics. Beyond your subsequent results, do you think the Covid years slowed your growth a bit?
Yes, that's for sure. In 2021 I certainly didn't do badly, even in the classics I had some good races like the third place at the AmstelThen in 2022, in the spring I had Covid, and then I had another virus, and in the summer Covid again, and this year in the spring another virus. In short, it's not the best way to approach a career. I'm sorry because in the winter it seemed that things were slowly getting back to normal and before Paris-Nice I felt good., but everything went up in smoke and I was really feeling very bad. It's true that they're uncertain about our profession, but I think I was a bit over the top with bad luck...
Speaking of Paris-Nice, what's your ideal size, in one-day races or in stage races like the one in France?
It's hard to say. Obviously I won the French race twice, so it was really nice., but I've often done well in the classics too and I feel comfortable. I can't give a clear answer. I consider myself a versatile rider.
Do you regret missing the Tour de France? Given the route, do you think you could have been a key figure alongside Hindley?
It's never nice to miss the greatest cycling race in the world, but I think it was the right decision this yearI think staying home was important, taking a step back and trying to be more cautious and prudent during this season to regain stability. In some ways, I already see myself projected towards 2024, even if there will be no shortage of opportunities between now and the end of the season, but I would finally like to have a smooth season from the start.
You're 29 years old and have been in the WorldTour since 2017, with a contract already signed for next year. Do you think this type of cycling is wearing you down and it will be increasingly difficult to make it past thirty at the highest level?
I think the most important thing is to be able to perform well in every race, because cycling today is unforgiving. You always have to be at your best, and you can't just think about tackling a race in preparation, not being in top form. There are riders who are still at the top level over thirty, Roglic to name just one. If today's youth, the generation of pogacar and that of Rodriguez It's hard to say whether they'll be able to do the same. Maybe, maybe not. I think only time will tell.
You'll be at the World Championships in Glasgow: do you like that course?
I remain of the opinion that it is a race in which fast and resistant wheels will emerge: I have good ground, but speed is not one of my characteristics.It's still a long and difficult race, and I think the weather could play a major role. It will be crucial to see the route, then we'll be able to get an idea of the strategy and everyone's roles.
You've had a very successful and important career so far, but is there a dream you'd still like to achieve?
Honestly, at this point in my career and given what's happened, the most important thing for me is to return to success, to a success of value, that is, in an important category. Only then will I think about the big goals. But right now, for me, what matters is return to a very high and constant level.
