Nils Politt is taking part in the Tour de France as German champion for the first time. Until now, the rascal from Cologne has primarily been used as a helper, but now his terrain is coming into its own.
Things have clicked for Nils Politt. Since the Cologne native became a stage winner of the Tour de France in Nimes last year, he has not only been perceived differently in the peloton. The view of himself has also changed.
Politt wants to repeat coup at Tour de France
"Something has changed in my head," admits Politt. So it is only logical that the professional cyclist from Team Bora-Hansgrohe wants to repeat his coup at this year's Tour of France.
After Politt kept his captain Aleksandr Vlasov out of danger in the opening stages in Denmark, now comes his terrain. On Tuesday, we travel through France's hilly and windy north from Dunkirk to Calaisthe next day the cobbled stage to the Arenberg forest on. The big question: Can Politt ride? Sport director Rolf Aldag says: "Nils was second in Paris-Roubaix, of course we know that. But we also have to reflect and tell ourselves that the main priority is the overall classification with Alex."
What tactics does Bora-Hansgrohe choose?
Doesn't sound like a free ride for Politt, but Aldag could also be playing poker. Logically, the former Team Telekom pro is keeping his tactical plans to himself. After all, the team can certainly play the Politt card, as they have another strong cobbled rider in the Austrian Marco Haller to protect Vlasov.
The green light would undoubtedly do Politt good. His stage win last year already showed that. "Things went really well after that. I won the Deutschland Tour, my home race Rund um Köln this year and became German champion for the first time," says Politt.
Outstanding invoice with the Pave
And he still has a score to settle with the cobblestones this year. Paris-Roubaix was supposed to be his first highlight of the season in the spring, but bronchitis and a coronavirus infection thwarted his plans.
So Politt turned his attention to the tour. "I made a cut, put the bike aside for a week," says the 1.92 metre tall professional. "I then worked a lot to be in top form for the Tour. I think I managed to do that just in time." Of course, Politt emphasises that his first task is to get Vlasov safely through the treacherous first week.
Impressive victory at German championship
Politt's superb form was already evident at the German Championships a week before the start of the Tour in Sauerland. On the tough 190 kilometres with a good 3000 metres of elevation gain he won as a soloist. A strong performance for a rider with his physical condition, after all, many experts had a rider like Lennard Kämna or Emanuel Buchmann on their radar.
Politt then proved strong again in the opening days in Denmark. On the last 30 kilometres of the stage to Sønderborg, he was always at the front in the wind and protected Vlasov. But as self-sacrificing as Politt is as a helper, he would also like to get his own chance. "It's just fun to win and throw your arms up in the air. That will never change."
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