Tour de Suisse: Good start for Schachmann - Küng wins

The Berlin-born member of the team Bora-Hansgrohewho had been repeatedly set back by injuries and illnesses for over a year, finished 14th in the 12.7 kilometre opening time trial in Einsiedeln. Schachmann finished 27 seconds behind the Swiss time trial specialist Stefan Küng (Groupama-FDJ).

Tour de Suisse 2023: Schachmann on stage 1

"It's good to be back in the race. It was my first time trial this year. I had a lot of health problems in the spring. It was tough. It wasn't outstanding, but it was solid," said Schachmann, who has hopes of taking part in the Tour de France starting on 1 July.

>> This is the route of the Tour de France 2023

Küng finished six seconds ahead of world champion Remco Evenepoel (Soudal - Quick Step) in second place. The exceptional Belgian rider made a strong comeback after his coronavirus illness at the Giro d'Italia and is considered to be a prime contender for overall victory. However, Evenepoel will not be competing in the Tour de France, as he announced on the sidelines of the race.

The Tour de Suisse continues on Monday with the second stage over 173.7 kilometres from Beromünster to Nottwil and ends next Sunday in Abtwil.

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