"The first sprint stages of the Tour are always hectic. It's easier in terms of the profile, but it's certainly not going to be completely relaxed," said the rider from Ravensburg. After the guest appearance in Spain, the Tour returns to France. On the way to Bayonne, the last 90 kilometres are more or less flat.
Meanwhile, the Tour organisation ASO changed the route at short notice to ensure greater safety. As new roundabouts and traffic islands have appeared since the section was planned, an alternative route was decided upon. Although this is almost five kilometres longer, it is classified as significantly safer. The death of Swiss cyclist Gino Mäder at the Tour de Suisse in June has once again made the issue of safety in cycling a much higher priority.
Buchmann is in 18th place in the overall standings after the two difficult stages in the Basque Country and is 43 seconds behind leader Adam Yates. The 30-year-old is in strong form, but his team, Bora-hansgrohe, is initially planning him as a helper for captain Jai Hindley. Should the Australian show a weakness, Buchmann will be given free rein. The mountain specialist was already fourth in 2019.
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