Interview Pascal Ackermann: "If I'm not ill or injured, I'll ride the Tour"

TOUR: Pascal, before last season you switched from Team UAE with Tadej Pogacar to the second-tier Team Israel-Premier Tech. In hindsight, to what extent was that worthwhile for you?

Pascal Ackermann: It was definitely worth it because I've really developed again in terms of sport. Of course, the season wasn't quite what I had hoped for. First the collarbone fracture (at Bruges-De Panne on 20 March), then I was ill for so long after the Tour. But from a sporting point of view, it was a huge step forward - I'm definitely looking forward to the new year.

TOUR: How do you measure progress? You remained winless in 2024. But sprinters are measured by victories...

Pascal Ackermann: It's more about the performance data and how I feel on the bike...

TOUR: After a long wait, you finally took part in the Tour de France for the first time at the age of 30. What do you remember?

Pascal Ackermann: I didn't quite fulfil my expectations, although I would have thought beforehand that a stage win was definitely possible. I wasn't far away from it either.

TOUR: You were third on three stages of the Tour...

Pascal Ackermann: A few little things were missing, but in hindsight I know what was wrong and what I can do better. That's great progress for me.

TOUR: What was the reason?

Pascal Ackermann: In the three months before the Tour, I couldn't do any real sprints in training because my collarbone was still so sore. And I couldn't do any strength training. I can do that for next season, which will make me even more lively. Last year, I only did a short period of fast training. And that was only possible because I did so much foundation riding last winter.

TOUR: Apart from the results - how was the Tour de France experience?

Pascal Ackermann: Definitely as you would imagine. It's a completely different feeling to any other race. It makes your stomach tingle. The spectators, the atmosphere, the way the race is run - everything is very, very different from usual. You simply realise that everything is bigger, harder and faster than at any other race.

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TOUR: You've probably been seen more often on TV during the tour than ever before in your career...

Pascal Ackermann: Yes, you can see it from the media attention alone. On the tour, you have something to do every day in that respect. There are huge queues of people who want to hear from you. At other races it's maybe two or three people. There is so much interest in the Tour. You realise that this race is the most important of the year for everyone.

TOUR: You were actually supposed to have a sprint train in the new team, in which compatriots Rick Zabel and Michael Schwarzmann were also supposed to play an important role. Zabel was told halfway through the season that he was no longer needed. As a result, he ended his career prematurely.

Pascal Ackermann: We only had one race where we could get in: That was the UAE Tour (in February). It didn't quite work out there because the UAE is a special race. You ride the whole day and the last three kilometres are extremely fast. And when we wanted to continue with the races in Europe, Schwarzi broke his finger and I broke my collarbone. So apart from Rick, there were no riders left and the sprint train project was put to one side for the time being. And because I wasn't able to train much, the team decided that they couldn't send a complete team to the Tour for me on this basis, focussing only on sprinting, but cut it down to me - plus two or three riders who could ride in the front on difficult stages. It was a mixed team. What came out, came out now - we've learnt from that for next year.

TOUR: What does that mean for the future - your second year in the team?

Pascal Ackermann: The team has now decided extremely in my favour. They've said: "We're definitely backing you and not another driver." That's a great vote of confidence from the team - even though it wasn't quite enough this year (2024).

The team is counting on me. That's a great vote of confidence. It takes all the pressure off me and means I don't have to be afraid of making mistakes.

TOUR: What exactly does that mean in terms of your race programme for 2025?

Pascal Ackermann: I was able to choose my entire race calendar. I already know that if I'm not ill or injured, I'll ride the Tour. That takes all the pressure off me. Unlike the last seven years, I don't have to worry that I won't get a lift again. And therefore I don't have to be afraid of making mistakes.

TOUR: What are the other goals?

Pascal Ackermann: So the one I've got pencilled in is Milan-San Remo. Then Gent-Wevelgem and then definitely the Tour. Those are my three races that I really want to be there for next year.

TOUR: Why do you feel ready for Milan-San Remo now? At your only start in 2021, you sprinted to 20th place in the chasing pack, six seconds behind winner Jasper Stuyven.

Pascal Ackermann: I didn't realise at the time that you have to drive into the Poggio at the very front. That was my problem. You normally come out at the top in the position you enter from. You drive up at full throttle - and you definitely can't get any further forward.

TOUR: There is a second German in your team, Michael Schwarzmann. Your most important helper?

Pascal Ackermann: He is not only my helper, but also a helper for others. But the plan is actually for him to be part of my sprint train.

TOUR: What are his strengths?

Pascal Ackermann: He can read the race. He always knows where to drive, even in extreme situations he is a bank. During the races, I'm actually close to him the whole day. He makes sure that we are always in the right position. And in the final, he's in third or second last place on the train.

TOUR: Like many German professional cyclists, you both live in Vorarlberg, Austria. Is he more than just a work colleague?

Pascal Ackermann: Actually, you have to say it's worth its weight in gold everywhere. We live relatively close to each other, less than ten kilometres apart. And I would say that he is the most important person in my life.