Cycling: On the sixth stage of the Tour Down Under, Jonasutsch (EF) presented himself to the entire cycling world. The German attacked up Willunga Hill a few kilometers from the finish. It didn't want to work out with the really big win - but Jonasrutsch learned a lot in Australia. In his race diary he tells us about the day in the breakaway group and his further plans for the season.
Jonasrutsch: "I learned a lot here"
Hey guys, we're at the airport right now because we're flying on today. But of course I would like to give you my final statement on yesterday's stage and the Tour Down Under as a whole. For me, it was – in summary – a perfect introduction to the WorldTour and to Team EF Pro Cycling. I've learned a lot. But of course I also noticed that I still have a lot to learn.
Everything is new to me. But here I was able to get used to the team and my teammates. I really enjoy working at this level and making use of my performance. Nothing better could have happened to me to come in. I am very happy that everything went so well here in Australia.
Now I'm looking forward to the next races: The Race Torquay and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. After that I also ride the Herald Sun Tour. This program is really good for getting racing toughness before heading back to Europe and then finally to the classics. The real highlight of the season awaits me there.
Jonasrutsch: "I'm still missing the peak performance"
Yesterday it was my task to go to the group. I managed to do that together with Mitch Docker. We were ordered to stay up front if everything falls apart during the stage – as it did. We should position ourselves so that we can possibly help Neilson Powless later on, who should be driving for us on the general classification.
But then the group was so strong that we still had a lead of over two and a half minutes. And I also felt really good on the first finish passage on Willunga Hill. Mitch then came to me and asked me how I was doing. I said, "I'm a bit tired, but I can do it." Then he asked me if I felt capable of attacking. I answered him: "Yes, it could work!"
When we went up Willunga Hill for the last time, I attacked together with Luke Rowe from Ineos. We tore a hole straight away. I knew: If I want to have any chance, I have to attack again now. And then I was actually traveling alone for a short time. But at the end of the day, what I'm missing – and I discussed this directly with my trainer afterwards – is simply the peak performance.
Jonasrutsch: "...then I can hold out for 5 minutes"
But the peak performance is yet to come. I haven't trained enough in this area yet. But you could already see yesterday that the engine is basically ready. After the races here in Australia, the peak performance will be right and then I can keep up this high pace for five minutes.
Unfortunately, yesterday I was only able to do this for two or three minutes. After that, the cauldron just burst. Then the whole group drove by. I then looked around to wait for Neilson Powless. I thought maybe I could help him a little bit to move up the general classification. But unfortunately it came a little later than expected.
Overall we were very happy with the day. We were able to implement our plan exactly as it was planned. But we all just lack the racing toughness a bit, which is not surprising at this point in the season. The Australians and Mitchelton – Scott, on the other hand, have already reached their peak of the season and you could see that.
For me, this one is yet to come. And I'm right on track with that. That was a good start and I'm very happy with how everything is going. That's why I'm positive about the upcoming tasks.
Greetings to Germany!
Your Jonas!
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