Emil Herzog returns to racing at the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali (2.1). Together with the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe rookies, he wants to tackle new goals.
“I'm looking forward to being among my peers again”, says Emil Herzog ahead of his joint appearance with the team's U23 squad. Even here, the 20-year-old, who is entering his second year in the elite, is still in the middle of the age group. “Of course I can learn a lot from the WorldTour pros. But racing with the guys of the same age is something else. It will be cool.”
Emil Herzog's joy should be even greater after his unfortunate start into the season. The youngster was in the line-up for the Trofeo Andratx on Mallorca, which was abandoned due to the weather, and was also part of the team that pulled out of the Etoile de Bessèges due to safety concerns. “After that, I fell ill and when I was fit again for the Tour of Andalusia, I took a pretty bad fall on my knee.”
Switching focus to stage races
After a month's break from racing, things are now set to pick up again - with a different focus. Unlike last year, Emil Herzog will no longer be focusing on the classics, but rather on smaller tours where the mountains can be a little longer. The first experimental phase is over. “I've noticed that I am not that punchy in the very short efforts. I want to try the classics with a more demanding profile like the Ronde van Vlaanderen or the E3 Saxo Classic again, but Paris-Roubaix or Gent-Wevelgem are probably not ideal for me.”
The Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali fits well into the new program. But even as the only WorldTour pro among the Rookies, the captain's role does not automatically go to Emil Herzog. “I will have a free role, but not everyone will only work for me. Everyone will get their chance, we come without a clear captain, at least at the beginning. We also rode together with the Rookies in Andalusia and Mallorca. And I have to say that I was really impressed by the guys there. They really do a good job.”
"Ambitious goals"
But Emil Herzog also wants to do the same himself. “I know these are ambitious goals again, especially as the startlist will be really strong and I haven't raced for a while now. I don't really know where I stand after the start of the season. But if I could maybe manage a top 10 result in the overall standings, I would be very happy.” However, the Rookies will be up against some WorldTour formations.
With Emil Herzog, Istrian-Spring winner Adrien Boichis, Davide Donati, Lorenzo Finn, Lennart Jasch, Sebastian Putz and Luke Tuckwell will start for the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe Rookies at Coppi e Bartali.
Photos: Getty Sport