Interview: Georg Steinhauser caused a stir at this year's Giro d'Italia and won over many fans. Today he starts the Deutschland Tour in Schweinfurt. Velomotion interviewed him after his prologue ride.
Georg, you've already completed the prologue. How would you describe this course?
Georg Steinhauser: "Short and intense. It went up and down, there were a few curves. But the best thing was the spectators. It was a nice experience. The weather was good too."
Would you describe the track as technical or can you just let it roll?
"It was a good mix, I'd say. There are two corners where you have to be a bit piano. But you could also really let it go."
You were sent off the ramp very early. Was there a reason for that?
"The sports director probably had something in mind (laughs). But I don't know the reason."
Are you satisfied with your time?
"When I crossed the line, I had the second-best time. That was a positive surprise. I'm just happy that it went so well after having Corona two weeks ago."
You won a stage at the Giro d'Italia. What did your dad say about it?
"Yes, I think everyone who saw the stage also saw my dad's emotional reaction. It was just great to see these pictures afterwards. Seeing that you always get support at home is just nice for me."
Would you say it's an advantage to have a father who was already a professional?
"My dad knows himself that cycling has changed a lot in recent years. There is a lot more science in the sport now, including training control, nutrition and recovery. But a few things are still the same today as they were in the past. That's why it's nice to be able to get tips from your dad."
What goals are you pursuing here on the Deutschland Tour?
"I have to say that the course here doesn't really suit me. We'll see what the prologue brings today. And then I'll support the team and try to get back into the racing rhythm myself after such a long break. But if the opportunity arises, I would of course be happy to go on the attack myself and show myself in the leading group."
At the Giro d'Italia you showed that you are still fit in the third week and can keep up with the best. Do you want to develop into a GC rider in the long term?
"That's certainly a possibility. In the next big national tours that I'll be riding, I'll continue to hunt for stages. However, I can imagine riding for the overall classification in the future. At this Giro, I noticed that it's easier than I thought to ride a Grand Tour. But that it's harder than I thought to ride it on GC."
Thank you very much and good luck in the coming days.
"Thanks too."
GEORG STEINHAUSER! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
He tried and tried and never gave up. Our German youngster takes his first pro win on stage 17 of the Giro d'Italia after a magnificent ride.
We are so proud of you#Giroditalia pic.twitter.com/pqiic3lJ2X
—EF Pro Cycling (@EFprocycling) May 22, 2024