Eschborn-Frankfurt 2023: Degenkolb's hopes "with a good Roubaix behind him" - the voices of the favourites
So there was plenty of time for the peloton, which was full of sprinters, to catch any breakaways in time. Nevertheless, the majority of the fast men were optimistic. This is what the favourites had to say before the start - the comments on Eschborn-Frankfurt.
Alexander Kristoff (Uno-X Pro Cycling, winner from 2014 to 2018): "I'm looking forward to coming back to Frankfurt. It's one of my favourite races, I've always done well. I know that the course has been changed a bit this year and the Feldberg has to be ridden twice. That will make it harder. At least there's less Mammolshain in the way. Hopefully I'll manage to survive that and then get another good result."
Sam Bennett (Bora-Hansgrohe(last year's winner): "The victory in 2022 was really important for me because it was the turning point after the problems I had at the start of the season. Things haven't gone so well for me again this year. I had a good winter, but the specific sprint training hasn't had the desired effect. So I hope that it will be Frankfurt again where I get back to my top performance."
John Degenkolb (Team DSMwinner in 2011): "It's always something special to start the race as a local hero. As always, it will be a great pleasure with the many friends, family and familiar faces along the route. With the good Paris-Roubaix behind me, there is even more anticipation. I'm looking forward to the race accordingly. I've used the last few days to train on the course so that I'll be in top form on Monday."
Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninckwinner in 2021): "I had a good winter and worked hard. That has paid off so far. After Roubaix, I took a complete break for a week to regenerate. I probably won't be at my best in Frankfurt because we're already working towards the Tour de France. But I'm definitely motivated. The course may be harder than last time, but the finale hasn't changed."
Pascal Ackermann (UAE Team Emirateswinner in 2019): "The course will be a little harder this year, but I think it's still interesting for sprinters. I definitely want to be on the podium again and I think that my preparation for the Giro d'Italia can work out."
Max Walscheid (Cofidis): "It's always been a very balanced race, always very close to the edge between sprints, breakaways or even climbers. This year I don't see there being a bunch sprint. People will probably sprint, but it will be very, very difficult for me to be there. It's still a very attractive race - probably a bit too hard for me, unfortunately, but we'll be able to handle it."
Nils Politt (Bora-Hansgrohe): "I think the combination of Mammolshain over the Billtalhöhe and then up the Feldberg will be very, very selective and provide a preliminary decision. Let's see what shape I'll be in there. Last year we won as a team and of course we want to defend the title somehow." Possibly through him? "A lot of things just have to come together. But it will probably only be possible if I'm at the front of a small group and can attack there again."
Jonas Rutsch (EF Education EasyPost): "Personally, the difficult course gives me a greater chance. I want to be able to deliver my best possible performance and I'm happy for everyone who is at the track to cheer me on."
