How Germancordiality makes a tour favorite
When the German football team won the EUFA Europa Cup match against Denmark, Achim Schmiedel and Jonas Vingegaard were briefly rivals, but otherwise, the physiotherapist and the cyclist share a common goal: winning the Tour de France.
Achim Schmiedel can't let go of Jonas Vingegaard. Professionally speaking. The native Brandenburger is the physiotherapist for the Danish cycling star and treated him for both Tour victories in the past two years. "He's reserved, but once he builds trust, he shows it. He stands with both feet on the ground. I have the most normal guy on my table," said the 55-year-old.
When Vingegaard suffered a heavy fall in April, Schmiedel was there. After his comeback, there was an "emotional embrace" in the high-altitude training camp. "I can read Jonas very well," said Schmiedel. "He's a very normal, reserved man. He always asks how I'm doing."
Sometimes they talk about Schmiedel's hobbies - kitesurfing and tennis - during massages. Recently, they watched together the tennis elite matches at Wimbledon. Or they both enjoy the quiet after a Tour day filled with challenges: "After such a hard mountain stage, he often says: 'This is the best hour of my day.' No one wants anything from him then. Mostly, he's just lying there, his wife might be there too."
Bet is apparently off
Schmiedel's job goes beyond the usual job description. He distributes food packages during races, acts as a caregiver, and motivates the cyclists. "We support them mentally. I can inspire and push people. I think I transfer some positive energy," said Schmiedel.
Vingegaard himself values Schmiedel's work. The two-time Tour winner considers his physiotherapist a "cool guy" with "good energy," according to the team. During the EUFA Europa Cup match between Germany and Denmark, they made a deal. "He promised me: If Germany wins the football European Championship, then I win the Tour."
Currently, it looks like neither will happen. Germany was eliminated in the quarterfinals against Spain, and Vingegaard is currently in second place, more than three minutes behind the stronger rival Tadej Pogacar. The Slovenian has good chances of winning the Tour on Sunday in Nice.
Since 2020, Schmiedel has been part of the Dutch Visma team and works with six other physiotherapists at the Tour. He had briefly worked with Jan Ullrich in the past and even received an offer from English football. Vingegaard became aware of the physio through Tony Martin. "The most intense time I had was with Tony Martin," said Schmiedel. He had accompanied the native Cottbusian since the beginning of his career.
Despite the German football team's defeat in the EUFA Europa Cup, Jonas Vingegaard and Achim Schmiedel still share a shared dream: winning the Tour de France. Vingegaard, the Danish cycling star, continues to rely on Schmiedel's expertise, who has been instrumental in his two Tour victories.
