However, the 28-year-old, who finished fourth overall in the world's most important cycling race in 2019, will not act as captain, but in a freelance role and as a helper for team-mate and captain Wilco Kelderman.
As he had planned the whole year differently, he was "not aiming for the overall classification", Buchmann made clear. "I want to take the Tour from day to day without pressure, take my chances and ride offensively if possible. That doesn't mean that I'm writing off the overall classification from the outset, but with Wilco we have a leader who has been able to prepare optimally," added the climbing specialist. The Tour starts on 26 June in Brest and finishes on 18 July - traditionally in the capital Paris.
A bitter fall at the Giro
Buchmann had kept up strongly in the Giro. He was in sixth place in the overall standings until his crash and subsequent withdrawal, and he even proved his strength by attacking in the mountains. "The crash at the Giro was very bitter. I was in really good form and I'm convinced that I could have been at the front there," said Buchmann. The podium at the finale in Milan seemed well within reach until the crash.
On the upcoming ride through the Alps and Pyrenees, Buchmann could not only support his Dutch colleague Kelderman, but also hunt for stage wins on difficult stages. "Emu will be given his freedom, but you also have to be realistic: the route of the Tour is not ideal for him, and he retired from the Giro with an injury," said team manager Ralph Denk. The overall classification plays "a subordinate role", the official conceded.
Tour route does not suit Buchmann
Bora-hansgrohe's original plan was for Buchmann to take part in the Giro instead of the Tour because there are more time trial kilometres in France this year, which doesn't suit Buchmann. At the equally prestigious Giro, Bosse and Buchmann rated the chances of a top 3 place higher.
The best overall German rider had already been stopped by a crash in 2020, back then just before the Tour, which he was then unable to compete in full possession of his strength. "For the second time in a row, Emu has had to write off a high point that he's been working towards for months. That's extremely tough and I really respect the way Emu has dealt with the situation and that he is now trying to attack again on the Tour," said Denk.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:210609-99-929158/5
