A special and sometimes very challenging year has ended. Of course, like everyone else, we cyclists had many uncertain moments, and often didn't know whether races would take place or not until shortly beforehand. But the safety procedures worked out, many of the biggest races took place and at the Tour de France I crossed the finish line in Paris for the first time. Sure, the crash at Lombardia, in which I broke my collarbone, was very bad luck, but overall 2020 was a very successful year for me, with my win at Paris-Nice a very special success. This and many many more big moments will come in 2021! I am ready, am in the middle of my preparations for the new season, have big goals and look forward to another year in the BORA-hansgrohe jersey. I wish you all the best in 2021! Yours, Maximilian.
Our tactics for the 258km long World Championship race worked out fine. The team protected me perfectly until two laps to go, and I could save strength for the finale. On the last steep climb, I could stay well with the lead group at first, but unfortunately not all the way to the top. It bothers me that in the end it was only 10 meters I was lacking.
Lennard's breakaway win on the 16th stage is a huge success for all of us. He absolutely earned this victory and is a great relief for the team, after all the setbacks we have had. The rest day was good for all of us and our hard work finally paid off. Tomorrow is the Queen Stage. That closing climb on the Col de la Loze will be incredibly hard...
What stages those have been the last two days. Sorry, that I didn't check in with you earlier. Especially on Friday, I was just too tired. Even if it wasn't quite enough for the stage win, we are still very satisfied with our performance. It was great to go all out like that with Lennard. We still have a week...!
That was a hard fight today and I am very satisfied. Sixth place on the longest stage of the Tour shows that my form is getting better. I haven't had such good legs in a long time. That gives both the team and of course me a lot of confidence for the next stages. We worked very concentratedly. We wanted to set up a sprint for Peter and I was to get involved as soon as the climb got serious.