Bahrain Victorious gears up to conquer Lidl Deutschland Tour

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com   

Report by Hussain Almaskati

As the first week of the final Grand Tour of the season unfolds in Spain, another contingent of Bahrain Victorious riders prepares to take on the challenge of the newly named Lidl Deutschland Tour in Germany.

This tour, now in its sixth edition since its revival in 2018, will run from August 21 to 25, traversing the picturesque and demanding terrains of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Rheinland-Pfalz, before concluding in Saarbrücken.

The Lidl Deutschland Tour kicks off with a 2.9-kilometer prologue in Schweinfurt, setting the stage for four intense stages through some of Germany’s most scenic landscapes.

With the team’s focus on securing a stage win and making a strong impression in the general classification, all eyes are on Bahrain Victorious. Leading the charge is Santiago Buitrago, a rider known for his aptitude on tough climbs, poised to shine on the more demanding stages.

Alongside him is Matevz Govekar, a versatile competitor capable of both sprinting and climbing, giving the team multiple options to achieve success.

Tactical insights, rising talents

Enrico Poitschke, Team Bahrain Victorious Sports Director, expressed confidence in the team’s prospects: “We have a strong squad here, especially with Buitrago and Poels, two excellent climbers.

Although this year’s race lacks the long climbs typical of Ger - many, we believe we can fight for a good result in the GC with Santiago and potentially capitalize on bonus seconds with Matevz.”

The team also introduces new talent, with 20-year-old Belgian rider Vlad Van Mechelen making his debut for Bahrain Victorious. “He is very talented and motivated to ride for the first time with the team,” Poitschke said.

“We’ll see how he can contribute, and perhaps even achieve a stage result in his first race.”

Stage-by-stage battle

The tour begins with a fast, flat prologue that promises tight competition.

Poitschke highlighted the importance of a strong start, with an aggressive strategy aimed at securing bonus seconds just 8 kilometers before the finish of the opening time trial.

Stage 2 presents a steep 13% climb and a tough finish, testing the riders’ endurance and tactics as they navigate three category climbs and an uphill battle for bonus seconds 1.5 kilometers before the end.

Stage 3, the longest of the race at 212 kilometers, challenges the riders with nearly 3,000 meters of elevation gain.

Bahrain Victorious plans to leverage their climbers’ strengths on this grueling day, aiming to make significant gains in the GC.

The final stage from Aneiler am Trifels to Saarbrücken, at 172 kilometers, features two significant climbs and a fast finish.

Here, Bahrain Victorious will be eyeing the GC standings closely, with a particular focus on securing bonus seconds 4.7 kilometers before the finish.

Aiming for glory

“Our goal is to win a stage, and we’ll see what’s possible by the end of the tour,” Poitschke said.

“With a mix of experienced riders and young talent, all motivated to deliver strong results, Bahrain Victorious is ready to make their mark on the Deutschland Tour.”

As the riders begin this challenging journey, the team’s focus remains on executing their strategies with precision and seizing every opportunity to shine on the German roads.