Maximilian Schachmann, once a top cyclist, is on a quest to reclaim his former status after battling health issues. Returning to Soudal Quick-Step, where he started his career, he will lead the team in the Paris-Nice race. After overcoming a challenging period with Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, marked by illness and setbacks, Schachmann feels revitalized and confident heading into the new season, aiming for success in upcoming races, including the Ardennes classics and potentially the Tour de France.
Once celebrated as one of the top cyclists in the world, Maximilian Schachmann is now on a journey to reclaim his former glory after facing a challenging few years filled with health issues. With a comeback to Soudal Quick-Step, the team where he began his professional career in 2017, Schachmann is set to lead the squad in the upcoming Paris-Nice race on March 9, 2025.
The emotional toll of his stint with Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe has left Schachmann grappling with unresolved feelings. ‘I wish I could have understood what was happening during that time, but I still can’t grasp it’, he reflects on the estrangement from his former team.
What started as a promising partnership saw Schachmann achieving remarkable success, winning the Paris-Nice race in both 2020 and 2021. Over six years with his former team, he stood proudly on the podium at prestigious events like the Ardennes classics, including Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Amstel Gold Race. However, since the summer of 2021, he has struggled to return to peak form, experiencing a series of illnesses and setbacks. ‘The team largely seemed to believe my career was over, that I wouldn’t bounce back’, he shares in an interview.
Challenges and Setbacks
This tumultuous period began with a COVID-19 diagnosis, followed by another infection that derailed his 2022 season. Originally slated to take on a leadership role, Schachmann found himself unable to meet the expectations set by the team management.
In the spring of 2023, he faced another severe illness, rendering even simple tasks like climbing stairs a challenge. During this time, he felt abandoned by the team. ‘When you can’t perform, it adds to the mental strain. The complete loss of trust was particularly difficult for me. I was accused of things no athlete should have to face’, Schachmann explains. The team attributed his struggles to burnout and a lack of motivation.
Germany’s Maximilian Schachmann, donning the jersey of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, faced a tough battle during these years.
Turning Point After a Tough Diagnosis
A turning point arrived with a successful diagnosis of cytomegalovirus, an illness characterized by exhaustion, followed by a comprehensive treatment plan. By late 2023, improvements emerged. With the guidance of a new coach, Schachmann was able to reset his approach to cycling. He nearly made headlines at the Giro d’Italia in May, almost clinching the leading jersey in the opening stage, narrowly missing victory by mere centimeters.
However, he feels that even a potential success at that event would not have significantly altered his situation: ‘Even if I had won, it probably wouldn’t have changed anything. The damage had already been done.’ Schachmann is now looking ahead, having joined Soudal Quick-Step last summer. This is the team that nurtured his early career, and he feels a renewed sense of belonging. ‘In our discussions, it became clear they genuinely wanted me on the team. Having familiar faces around is certainly beneficial in my current situation’, he adds.
Schachmann: ‘Stronger Than Ever’
Today, the 31-year-old cyclist asserts he feels ‘stronger than ever,’ having recently spent three weeks training at high altitudes in Colombia. His return to competitive racing in the new season was encouraging, with a fifth-place finish at the Algarve Tour, where Jonas Vingegaard took the win.
As Paris-Nice approaches, Schachmann is filled with confidence, drawing on his past successes at the event. ‘I’m entering this race with the belief that the mountains will play to my strengths’, he remarks. As one of three captains on the team, alongside European champion Tim Merlier and Belgian Ilan van Wilder, Schachmann aims to secure a strong overall finish while Merlier focuses on sprint victories.
Embracing New Opportunities – Tour de France on the Horizon?
Eager to embrace the new opportunities that lie ahead, Schachmann is also preparing for the Ardennes classics, where Evenepoel is expected to compete as he makes his comeback after a lengthy injury hiatus. Schachmann could play a vital role in supporting the 25-year-old, potentially even at the Tour de France this summer.
For Schachmann, this would mark a personal comeback as well, having last participated in the Tour in 2022. ‘It’s the biggest platform there is. However, I’m not motivated solely by the stage; my passion lies in racing.’ He adds, ‘Winning again will be challenging, but it’s certainly in the back of my mind.’