Team Giant-Alpecin’s John Degenkolb is set to make his race comeback on Sunday at Eschborn-Frankfurt following a recovery period of more than three months.
On the 23rd of January this year, Degenkolb was one of six Team Giant–Alpecin riders who were hit by a car which drove into on-coming traffic while training in Calpe, Spain.
Degenkolb suffered cuts to the thigh, forearm and his lips, as well as coming close to losing his left index finger. He was treated in Valencia and Hamburg and missed out on the spring classics.
“First of all, I am really happy to pin my race number on again and to be at the starting line,” said Degenkolb. “It’s my home race on Sunday which makes it even more special for me. I am really thankful to all the people who have supported me and who have made it possible for me to race again.”
“I am certainly not here to aim for the win. The goal is to get back the feeling of riding in the peloton and of course this is my first test on competition ground since January. Let’s not forget what I have been through the last few months and keep it all in perspective. For Sunday, I hope I can finish the race in a good way.”
The 55th edition of the 206km German one-day race features a steep ascent, the Mammolshainer Berg which has to be climbed four times before hitting the finishing circuit in Frankfurt.
