Cycling: According to the current start list, a total of 16 riders from Germany, Switzerland and Austria will start at the Giro d'Italia in 2023. We take a closer look at their situation and philosophize about the possible tasks and goals.
Ackermann & Küng hunt for stage wins
Admittedly, the German-speaking drivers will also be there this year Tour of Italy mostly found in the helper role. However, two professionals start as crystal-clear winners. Stefan Kung (Groupama – FDJ) should ensure success for his French team in the two flat time trials. But it won't be easy for the Swiss, because he meets none other than the Italian Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers). Together with his compatriot Fabian Lienhard (Groupama – FDJ) should also support Küng captain Thibaut Pinot. On flat stages - and thus in possible mass sprints - Jake Stewart will probably hold the captain's role. The Brit meets there, among other things Pascal Ackermann (UAE). Because the German gets the necessary help in his team for the sprint decisions. At best, he should repeat his yield from 2019 when he Tour of Italy won two stages.
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4 Germans ride their first Grand Tour
Four German drivers who have been nominated for their first Grand Tour should be particularly excited on these days. Michel Hessmann (Jumbo – Visma) can contest the three-week tour directly in a favorite team. Alongside his teammates, the 22-year-old should ensure that Captain Primoz Roglic can win the tour. In the mountains, however, it will rarely be seen. Because his area of expertise is more the level. A Dutch team is sending three German newcomers to the starting line: Nicholas Markl (DSM), Marius Mayrhofer (DSM) and Florian Stork (DSM) should even be given some freedom. Because the team management has not nominated a clear captain. But it is certain that the mass sprints will be started for the Italian Alberto Dainese. In the high mountains one hopes for the breakthrough of the Norwegian Andreas Leknessund. Since both captains are probably not among the favourites, we will definitely see the three Germans in a breakaway from time to time.
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Can Kämna Grand Tour?
Bora – hansgrohe is facing a very special task this year. As the defending champion, but without THE defending champion Jai Hindley, the Raublinger racing team is at the start. With Aleksander Vlasov you try to get on the podium in the general classification. Act as co-captain for the first time Lennard Kaemna. The meanwhile 26-year-old German wished to start the attempt as a classification driver. In the mountains, his compatriot will be at his side Anton Palzer and Patrick Conrad from Austria. New to the team this season Nico Denz. He will also be there for his captains, but will also be able to enjoy his freedom from time to time. While we will probably see him in the breakaway group on the flat and slightly hilly terrain, Patrick Konrad may pull out his license in the high mountains. If Lennard Kämna's "mission overall rating" fails early, he too will be a hot candidate for a stage win in the last week. Because this is extremely demanding, as usual at the Giro d'Italia.
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Important helpers in international teams
We find other German-speaking drivers in some international teams. The German Alexander Krieger (Alpecin – Deceuninck) is an important man in his team's sprint train. For the Australian Kaden Groves, he should keep up the pace in the decisive phase and put him in the best possible position. The same task has compatriot Max Kanter (Movistar) for its Colombian captain Fernando Gaviria. It's been six years since Lukas Postlberger (Jayco – AlUla), then still wearing the Bora – hansgrohe jersey, conquered the pink jersey on the first stage of the Giro d'Italia. This time he is unlikely to succeed as the Austrian will have to assist his Australian team-mate Michael Matthews. Nevertheless, he will certainly get the opportunity to join a group. As well as Jasha Sutterlin (Bahrain – Victorious) from Germany. He doesn't have a sprinter on his team, but he does have numerous strong climbers who need to be supported. Italy's Damiano Caruso also has what it takes to make the top 10, as does Colombia's Santiago Buitrago and Australia's Jack Haig. And also the Swiss Gino Mader (Bahrain – Victorious) should not be underestimated. The 26-year-old won a stage at the Giro d'Italia two years ago.
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