Cycling: April is history. We look back on a month full of cycling highlights. We were particularly impressed by the German pros. They were always to be reckoned with, even in important one-day races.
Maximilian Schachmann: 3x top 5
From a German point of view, the driver of the month April is without a doubt Maximilian schachmann (Bora – hansgrohe). After winning a stage at the Tour of Catalonia back in March, he dominated Tour of the Basque Country. He won that opening time trial, can straight and the fourth Stage. This was to be just the beginning, however, as his highlight of the season was the Ardennes Classics. At the Amstel Gold Race and the Walloon Arrow drove the 25-year-old in fifth place Liège – Bastogne – Liège even in third place. Schachmann convinced not only because of the results, but also because of his driving style. With his offensive driving style he attacked several times. A clear sign that we can count on him in the future.
Bora – hansgrohe: A top team even without Sagan
However, Maximilian Schachmann was not the only professional on his team who knew how to impress in April. Because even if leader Peter Sagan is currently in a small form crisis, it succeeded Bora – hansgrohe, achieve top results. Emanuel Buchmann won the fifth stage of the Tour of the Basque Country and narrowly missed out on overall victory. Bora was the first to win the tour – but hansgrohe was only able to celebrate a few days later. The Austrian Felix Großschartner left the Tour of Turkey all behind. In addition, sprinter Sam Bennett once again ensured success in mass sprints. The second place at should not be forgotten either Liège – Bastogne – Liège by Davide Formolo.
Mathieu Van der Poel: Now also world class on the road
Dominated in cyclocross Mathieu van der Poel (Corendeon – Circus) together with Wout Van Aert (Jumbo – Visma) for years. Both pros announced some time ago that they wanted to switch to the road. 2019 now seems to be the year in which this leap can be successfully completed. While Wout Van Aert was particularly convincing in the Tour of Flanders - albeit without a win - Mathieu Van der Poel made the really big hit at the Amstel Gold Race. In a hopeless situation, the Dutch champion managed to get ahead in the last few kilometers and won what is now considered one of the most spectacular races in history. The English live commentary with the words "I have never seen anything like this in my life" speaks volumes. There are also successes in Arrow of Brabant and Dwars door Vlaanderen. So we can say with certainty that Mathieu Van der Poel has now reached the top of the world on the road.
Alberto Bettiol: From Nothing to the King of Flanders
Although Alberto Bettiol (EF Education First) got some good results, had him for the Tour of Flanders probably nobody on the bill. No wonder, after all, the Italian has not won a single race in his career. He should save his first victory for the Ronde. His attack at the Oude Kwaremont was so impressive that even the favorites couldn't hold his rear wheel. As a soloist, the 25-year-old then drove towards his big victory. Even though he certainly benefited from his opponents' tactics, Bettiol was probably the strongest professional that day.
Nils Politt: Delighted with second place in Roubaix
It wasn't quite enough for a win for Nils Politt (Katusha-Alpecin). Nevertheless, the likeable Cologne native is one of the winners of April and should not be missing from our cycling highlights. Although he joins Paris - Roubaix already found himself in an early breakaway group, he was able to keep up with the favorites in the end. Shortly before the velodrome, the 1,92 meter tall hen launched the decisive attack himself. Only Philippe Gilbert (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) was able to follow. Politt finally missed the big sensation in the Radstadion. But shortly after the race he was extremely satisfied - and he can definitely be that too.
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