WorldTour
Valencia from Herzog's point of view: A lot of work, a lot of reward
A busy start to the season almost ended with a happy ending for Emil Herzog. The 21-year-old reports on his impressions of the Volta Valencia.
The five days in the south of Spain, which were perhaps not quite as sunny as usual - but for that windy - had a lot in store for Emil. The first race kilometres of the year meant new experiences, almost a stage win, but above all a lot of work for the youngster from Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe.
At work: Emil Herzog
© Maximilian Fries / Red Bull Content Pool
Emil, himself a former junior world champion, rode for the first time with Remco Evenepoel, who has four rainbow jerseys in the elite category. And he realised what that meant. "When you have a champion like that in the team, you automatically get more respect yourself. Everyone knows that you work for him. Nobody just drives in front of you like that any more. It's easier in a way."
Work early, pay later
However, there is also a downside. "But then you're also the only team doing the work infront of the peloton." And in Valencia, it was Emil who clocked up the most kilometres in the wind. "I was usually the one to control the start and the first part of the race." There was hardly any TV time for this. "I was usually finished by the time there were pictures."
With a champion like that in the team, nobody just drives in front of you.
That's why the cameras, and therefore the majority of the public, missed the fact that it was primarily Emil who, in preparation for Remco's second stage win on the penultimate climb of stage 4, took the peloton apart so much that the Belgian, with the help of his remaining helpers, only encountered much less resistance from the competition. The team gave him special praise for this.
Emil Hezog in the breakaway group
© Getty Images
More patience next time
But Emil would have been just as happy to take the stage win that was within his grasp on the final day of the tour. His job at the start had put him in the leading group of the day. Surprisingly, the group made it to the finish a few seconds ahead of the field. Emil sprinted to second place. "What I blame myself for is that I didn't wait long enough. If I set off 50 metres later, things might have gone differently." It would have been Emil's first professional victory.
Emil Herzog sprints to second place after a day in the breakaway.
© Getty Images
Nevertheless, the rider from Simmerberg summarises his season opener positively overall. "As a team, we all achieved our goals. My form is also quite good. I'm looking forward to the next races." After a few days at home, that will initially be the UAE Tour.
