Cycling: There's still a long way to go before the first really important bike races. Of course, the 2022 season is already being planned. Some drivers are disappointed.
Again no Tour de France for Ackermann
Pascal Ackermann left the German team Bora - hansgrohe, also because he was not taken to the Tour de France as promised. Now he is in the squad of the UAE Team Emirates and cannot hope for a nomination again. Because the team management is banking on Tadej Pogacar winning the tour again, there is no place for the German sprinter in the squad. But Pascal Ackermann can look forward to his debut at Paris – Roubaix.
Pascal Ackerman:
"We can always talk to the team about the tour later, but we have clear goals for this season."
Does Cavendish not get a chance at the tour record?
Mark Cavendish could also miss the 2022 Tour de France. The Briton, who extended his contract with Team Quick-Step just a few days ago, will probably have to give way to Fabio Jakobsen's goals. He himself is scheduled for the Giro d'Italia, but is available as a reserve for the Tour de France. So it looks bad for a new record. Last year, Mark Cavendish drew level with Eddy Merckx with his 34th stage win. The now 36-year-old will probably not be the sole record holder for the time being.
Fabio Jakobsen:
“He knows that the Tour is my goal and that he will ride the Giro himself. But he is available as a reserve. He can do that like no other and I think he's happy with the role."
Pogacar to the Tour & Vuelta, Dumoulin to the Giro
It is no surprise that Tadej Pogacar (UAE) wants to defend his title again at the Tour de France. Unlike last year, the Slovenian will then also start at the Vuelta a Espana and seriously tackle the Tour/Vuelta double. He can rely on the services of Marc Soler. The Spanish newcomer from Movistar is planned as a noble helper for both tours. It is currently unclear whether Marc Hirschi will also be there. The Swiss has to postpone his start of the season indefinitely because he still has to recover from hip surgery. Tom Dumoulin will once again set his sights on the Giro d'Italia. The Dutchman forms a double leadership for Jumbo - Visma in Italy together with the young Norwegian Tobias Foss.
Tadej Pogacar:
“The Vuelta was the first Grand Tour of my career and I have very fond memories of it. That is why I would like to return to Spain.”
Marc Hirschi:
“I can't say anything about my racing program yet. Everything depends on my recovery.”
Roglic is back at Milan-Sanremo after five years
Primoz Roglic (Jumbo – Visma) wants to win the Tour de France for the first time in 2022. The Slovenian will again have to compete with his compatriot Tadej Pogacar (UAE). Before that happens, however, he will of course contest a few races in preparation. This year, surprisingly, this also includes the Italian one-day classic Milan – Sanremo. He will start his season at Paris – Nice. Other highlights for him are Liège – Bastogne – Liège and the Flèche Wallonne. At the Tour de France he can then build on the services of the Dane Jonas Vingegaard. However, he will have to share the captaincy role with Wout van Aert, as the Belgian has already announced that he wants to win the green jersey.
Evenepoel drives the Vuelta, Pinot & Gaudu drive the Tour
Once again the Tour de France will be held without Remco Evenepoel (Quick-Step). The Belgian will not start and will instead focus on the Vuelta a Espana. He will start the season at the Tour of Valencia. He then drives the Algarve Tour and Tirreno – Adriatico. The French team Groupama - FDJ can hope for a revitalized Thibaut Pinot in 2022. He is scheduled for the Tour de France as well as David Gaudu, who will take on the role of captain.