cycling
Home advantage NRW? Politt does not give up Germany Tour
Nils Politt at the Germany Tour. photo
© Alexander Neis/Eibner-Pressefoto/dpa
Nils Politt would like to say goodbye to Bora-hansgrohe with a second win on the Deutschland Tour. He also relies on a home advantage.
Tailwind from home advantage? After the missed opportunity in Saarland, Radprofi wants Nils Politt in North Rhine-Westphalia at home still has a say about his second overall victory on the Deutschland Tour after 2021.
“It’s very nice to pass close to home. I think there will be a lot of friends and fans along the route. Hopefully the weather will cooperate,” said the native of Cologne after the first stage in Merzig.
There, the 29-year-old Bora-hansgrohe professional was unable to follow the top trio around Belgian day winner Ilan van Wilder (23) on the last climb of the day and is now 19 seconds behind the young Belgian before the second stage. Now it’s off to Politt’s home state. The second section, which is almost 3,300 meters in altitude, leads over 201.3 kilometers from Kassel in northern Hesse to Winterberg in the Sauerland. The third stage on Saturday then leads over 173.8 kilometers from Arnsberg to Essen. “Look, wait – the tour isn’t over yet,” said Politt combatively.
The Bora-hansgrohe pro has fond memories of Winterberg: in 2022 he won the title of German road champion here. After three years at Bora-hansgrohe, Politt is looking for a new challenge next season with the UAE Team Emirates around two-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar. Preferably with a victory in the Deutschland Tour 2023 as a seal of quality in your pocket. “I haven’t won a bike race this year, so it would be nice to win again here in the Bora jersey,” said Politt.
Germany tour website