Our rider tried to prevent the race from coming down to a bunch sprint.
Only the second German this century to finish on the podium of Itzulia Basque Country – an impressive third just a couple of weeks ago – Maximilian Schachmann brought his first part of the season to a conclusion Thursday afternoon at Eschborn-Frankfurt, arguably Germany’s most prestigious one-day race.
Soudal Quick-Step’s 31-year-old was prominent in front of his home fans, booking a place in a strong 30-man group that opened a gap on the Feldberg, with around 50 kilometers to go, before making a move of his own on the iconic Mammolshain. Joined by two riders before the top, Max pressed on and helped the trio take their gap to around 20 seconds, but on the descent taking to the finish line, they were reeled in, despite leaving everything out there.
Schachmann still came home as the best placed Soudal Quick-Step rider, just five seconds behind winner Michael Matthews (Jayco-AlUla), who took the victory in a reduced sprint.
Photo credit: Christian Kaspar-Bartke / Getty Images
