cycling
Kämna strong: Second place in the time trial behind Ganna
Lennard Kämna finished second in the individual time trial at the start of the Tirreno-Adriatico. photo
© Dirk Waem/Belga/dpa
The German professional cyclist Lennard Kämna makes a convincing start to the long-distance Tirreno-Adriatico trip. Kämna has a good starting position for the overall ranking.
With a strong individual time trial, Lennard Kämna presented himself in good early form at the start of the Tirreno-Adriatico long-distance cycle race.
The 26-year-old, who wants to tackle the overall standings at this year’s Giro d’Italia, had to admit defeat after 11.5 kilometers in Lido di Camaiore, 28 seconds behind, only by the outstanding two-time time trial world champion Filippo Ganna from Italy .
In the jersey of the German champion, Kämna, who had once won the world championship title in the juniors, was even able to improve on the second part of the rain-soaked course. He left his two teammates Jai Hindley (Australia / +23 seconds), after all the reigning Giro champion, and Alexander Vlasow (Russia / +22) as well as the three-time Vuelta winner Primoz Roglic (Slovenia / +21) well behind. It was only when Ganna smashed the top time that the stunned Kämna had to leave the chair for the leader.
Kämna “more than satisfied”
“I’m more than satisfied. I never expected second place,” said Kämna, who is already looking at the overall standings: “That’s a great starting position. I’ll do everything to stay as far up the front as possible.” It’s sort of the dress rehearsal for the Giro in May: “We’ve worked a lot in that direction. Now I have to see where I stand on the mountain. I’m already very happy that things are going well in the time trial. I’m looking forward to the week.”
The WorldTour race in Italy continues this Tuesday with the second stage over 210 kilometers from Camaiore to Follonica. The overall winner will be determined on Sunday in San Benedetto del Tronto.