Buchmann, Zimmermann & Co. better than expected at the Tour

Fabian Wegmann has expressed his satisfaction with the performance of the German riders at the Tour de France 2023 so far.

"The results so far have been very, very good. Even if, in inverted commas, they were only second and third places," the former professional cyclist told the German Press Agency. The 43-year-old will be giving his assessment of the Tour of France as an expert on ARD.

German riders at the Tour de France - The top riders

The German mini squad of just seven riders has so far delivered more than expected. Mountain specialist Georg Zimmermann with his second place and sprinter Phil Bauhaus with his second place and two third-place finishes showed strong stages. "They both rode really well," said Wegmann.

German riders at the Tour de France - The outlook

There are not many chances left until the final stage in Paris in just under a week. "Bauhaus still has three or four stages where there will be a sprint. His team will try something with him," said the ex-pro from the former Gerolsteiner team. The withdrawal of Zimmermann's captain Louis Meintjes could open up opportunities for the Augsburg rider in breakaway groups. "Zimmermann is freer after the crash. He's in an incredibly good mood," Wegmann enthused.

>> This is the route of the Tour de France 2023

German riders at the Tour de France - The Bora-Hansgrohe pros

Emanuel Buchmann and Nils Politt from the German team Bora-Hansgrohe are primarily escorting captain Jai Hindley, who is expected to finish on the podium in Paris. However, after his crash on Saturday, the Australian's third place overall is moving further and further away. Buchmann also went down a day later, but he was able to continue. "I have a few grazes. The crash wasn't too bad, but it's always annoying," he said. So far, the German champion has been given few liberties of his own.

German riders at the Tour de France - The other riders

Simon Geschke wore the mountain jersey for nine days last year. This year, he is finding it difficult to get out of his helper role, despite some freedom. "He keeps trying, but he's not in the best shape," Wegmann noted. Geschke himself was also dissatisfied with his own performance recently. Nikias Arndt has so far brought his room-mate Bauhaus into promising sprint positions as the lead-out man. The experienced Tour participant and sprinter John Degenkolb started the tour with a different role anyway, as he is pulling the team's tactical strings in the background as road captain.

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