After months of rehabilitation: Kämna's comeback from a serious crash to chasing glory in the Tour de France

If we're talking about stage hunters in the peloton, one name cannot be overlooked: Lennard Kämna. The German rider has already completed the unique trilogy of stage wins in the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, and La Vuelta — a dream for many cyclists. Unfortunately, the past year saw little of the stage specialist. While preparing for La Corsa Rosa, Kämna was seriously injured in a collision. Now, he’s back and eagerly anticipating the new cycling season.

Let’s rewind ten months. Kämna, who had won a stage in the 2022 Giro d’Italia, was determined to aim for more stage wins in 2024. However, a collision with a car derailed his plans, and the consequences were severe. The German ended up in intensive care, and it was uncertain whether he would even be able to return to top-level cycling. Fast forward to now, ten months later, and Kämna is preparing for his comeback in the Tour of Catalonia.

Comeback in Lidl-Trek colors

Kämna, who will debut in Lidl-Trek colors this year, is looking forward to his return in the Spanish WorldTour race. He previously won a stage in Catalonia in 2021. "It’s still two months away, but I can feel myself improving. I’m on the right track and feeling really good right now. I’m gradually getting closer to the level I need to perform again, and I’m really happy about that," the German told news agency SID.

Despite spending several days in intensive care after the crash, the multiple WorldTour stage winner never believed his career was over. "The thought of quitting never crossed my mind, but of course, I did think about it. It took time, both physically and mentally, to convince myself that I wanted to return to professional cycling at 100 percent. Especially knowing there’s always a risk of getting badly injured again."

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Lennard Kämna back when he was racing for former employer BORA-hansgrohe

Tour de France: Kämna’s primary goal

"Because of my previous stage wins, I think I generally have a good feeling for races, and that doesn't just disappear," said the 28-year-old. "During the training sessions, I can feel that things are going well, and it gives me confidence that I can get back to my old level. I’m returning to the peloton with a lot of optimism, and I can’t wait to pin on a race number again in Catalonia."

After the Spanish race, the German's next races are yet to be decided, but he has already set his sights on one major goal: the Tour de France. "The Tour is definitely on my mind. Of course, everything has to work out, and I have to be able to go to the Tour de France with the right form. I expect that I’ll be able to start chasing stage wins again and perhaps aim for a good GC result in one-week stage races."

Will Kämna secure a spot in Lidl-Trek’s Tour de France lineup? The team has already announced that top sprinter Jonathan Milan will head to the Tour, likely alongside a strong sprint train. Additionally, Mattias Skjelmose is set to start in Normandy in July. The final answer on Kämna’s inclusion will be revealed later this spring...

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