Ackermann hopes for Vuelta stage wins after taking a tumble
DPA
· 17.08.2022
"The disappointment of the crash was bigger than the injury. I had a few stitches in my finger, but that doesn't bother me on the bike," said the Palatinate rider, adding: "My goal is still the same. I want to fight for stage wins."
Ackermann slammed into barrier fence
The professional from the UAE team, who went into the European Championship race as a German medal hope, fell on Sunday and hit his head with full force into a barrier.
In the very mountainous Vuelta, the sprinters only have "five or six chances", says Ackermann: "They are all underlined in red." But he is confident. "I've shown in the last few weeks that the form is there," emphasised Ackermann, naming Belgian Tim Merlier as his biggest rival.
Ackermann happy with change
His move from the German Bora-Hansgrohe team to the team led by two-time Tour champion Tadej Pogacar in the winter was "the right step". "I feel right at home in the team. I can't say anything bad. I'm happy with the step I've taken. I'm not yet so happy with the results. But that's due to injury," said the 28-year-old.
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