There was really little left. Even during the approach to the dusty gravel section a kilometer before the finish line, the lonely Kämna held a thirty-five-second lead over the group of favorites, from which, for example, his team leader Vlasov dropped out. “The team informed me about everything over the phone. I knew it was going to be tight. I felt good and I hoped to keep the lead, but the finish was overwhelming,” assessed the 25-year-old Bora competitor sadly.
–
The German cyclist did not stop the cruel climb of up to 24% and reached the finish line in fourth position. “Even such things happen. In the end, losing by ten seconds is a shame. But I gave it everything,” admits Kämna.
–
For a long time, it looked like the breakout would have no chance of fighting for victory. The group also included Max Schachmann, another German from Bora, who was only two minutes behind Pogačar in the running order. The Slovene and his teammates thus kept a high pace at the head of the peloton and did not allow the refugees to gain more than a three-minute lead. “Also, our group didn’t work well together,” Kämna admitted.
–
Even thanks to Schachmann’s great work, he was able to fight for victory in the end. “Max drove excellently for me,” he praised his teammate. However, even the saved energy was not nearly enough for Kämn in the end.
–
An exhausted Lennard Kämna (right) at the finish line of the 7th stage of the Tour de France, lost his victory 90 meters before the finish line.Photo: Gonzalo Fuentes, Reuters
The native of Wedel is still having a great season. Especially compared to the last one. After all, he rode only twelve racing days last year and already ended the season in May due to fatigue syndrome. But this year it’s back in full force. He won a stage at the Tour of Andalusia or Tour of the Alps, and above all at the Giro d’Italia in May.
–
Moreover, he believes that other chances for the Old Lady will still come. “I’m recovering well from leaks, so I’ll definitely try again. The Giro already gave me a good foundation, so hopefully more chances will come in the Alps and Pyrenees,” believes Kämna, who won one stage at the Tour de France two years ago.
—
