The German Max Schachmann survived from a day-long break on a rainy stage to bring victory number 19 for Quick-Step Floors this season and his first pro win
![]() |
Volta Catalyuna: Stage 6
August 2nd, 2017. Maximilian Schachmann is part of a small breakaway group which took off at the start of a short stage marred by grim weather, between Olimp Nagawczyna and Rzeszow, but both his race and season came to a premature conclusion after sliding into a corner on the wet roads and suffering multiple fractures in his right calcaneus, which led to a long recovery and an even longer absence, with the German making his return to competition only in February.
Photo: © Kei Tsuji / Getty Images
March 24th, 2018. More than seven months from that setback, the 24-year-old went into a two-man breakaway which nobody gave too many chances of going all the way. After all, the original stage 6 of Volta a Catalunya had been shortened and the profile, despite including a second-category climb, was to the liking of the sprinters. But the escapees somehow survived until the finish and Max Schachmann sprinted to his maiden pro victory and the first of a German rider in the race since 2010, punching the air as he roared over the line.
… continued after advert
Schachmann and Diego Rubio (Burgos BH) were the only riders who believed in the chances of a breakaway, attacking after the start, ignoring the pouring rain and establishing a four-minute lead which was reduced to just two inside the final 30 kilometers, when the echelons wreaked havoc and split the bunch into four groups. In the closing ten kilometers, the gap hovered around the 50-second mark and the peloton looked poised to take the stage, but the leading duo rode admirably and fended off the efforts of the chasers
Under the flamme rouge, Max and Rubio were more than 15 seconds clear, making it obvious that the stage will be played between the two of them. Schachmann perfectly judged the final, jumping from the wheel of his Spanish opponent with around 200 meters to go and claiming Quick-Step Floors 19th victory of the year and his first since turning pro, which made him the ninth different rider of the team to taste success this season.
“On the profile, it might have looked like a sprinters’ stage, but in the end it turned out to be a tough one. It was shorter than planned, but the weather made it really tough. Despite that, I went into the breakaway, and even though it was just me and Rubio there, we worked hard and gave everything on the roads to Torrefarrera. When the peloton began the chase, our gap went down and with 20 kilometers to go we had under two minutes, but we continued to do our job and pull hard”, the German said after visiting the podium.
… continued after advert
“I am so happy, you can’t believe it! I have felt good for a long period, but today being able to take my first victory is amazing. I will always remember this day. I had good sensations from the morning, actually already since yesterday. I tried a few times yesterday, but it didn’t work out. Today it was different and worked out perfectly.
I was ready from the morning, even opting for my aero bike despite that climb, because I wanted to be in the break to try and get a result. This win is also for Petr Vakoc, my teammate who is out with an injury. Last year it was me, but today I proved it’s possible to come back stronger, and if I can do it, he can too!”
Max, who is the sixth German in history to win a Volta a Catalunya stage, continued: “I felt good and fast today on my Specialized Venge, despite shivering at one point on the descent and suffering from cramps. The two roundabouts in the final five kilometers played into our favour, we took the best line there and didn’t lose any time.
Then, after the last corner, I was in the better position and opened the sprint with 150 meters to go. This victory came as a result of a great team spirit, which brings confidence, confidence that we are turning into a lot of victories. So a big thanks to my team for believing in me and giving me the environment and opportunities to grow as a rider.”
Cycle Division’s New Shop
Send your results as well as club, team & event news here
Other Results on VeloUK (including reports containing results)
- Features, Reports, Results
- TT Result: City RC (Hull) 10
- TT Result: Goodwood Time Trial League
- Result: Lotus Cars Cycle Race League #4
- BMCR Result: The Ron Day MK Bowl Series
- BMCR RESULT: Gemini BC Summer Grand Prix
- Result: Crystal Palace Crits
- Result: SSSCCRRL Handicap Racing League (June 5)
- Result: London Dynamo Road Race
- West Suffolk Grass Track meeting
- Result: RL360 Isle of Man Youth League
- START LISTS FOR BRITISH ROAD CHAMPIONSHIPS
- STARTLIST: Two day Giant Tugby Ronde van Wymeswold
- NEWS: MAJOR JUNIOR TEAMS TO MERGE FOR 2026
- TT Result: Oxonian CC 50
- TT Result: VTTA North Lancs and Lakes Group 50
- Result: Swindon Summer Race Series 1
- Result: Kames Race Day
- Result: Lichfield No Frills #1
- Result: Ride Revolution Coaching Summer Crits #2
- Result: Pippa Handley&Eastern Promise Road Races
- Result: West Thames League Rnd 9
- Result: SACA Salt Ayre Tuesday 9
- TT Result: RTTC 12 hour Championship
- TT Result: National VTTA and Sussex CA Championship 50
- Result: Twickenham Cycling Club Open Season Track Meeting
- Result: PDQ Race Series #2
- Result: HH Crit Series Round 2 of 5
- Result: City Crits Cardiff 7
- Result: King and Queen of the Bowl Crit Series #6
- Result: North Wales Circuit Series 3
- Result: Full Gas Summer Sizzler 1
- BMCR RESULT: Road Race Championships (E, F, G, H & I)
- Entries Wanted: Ilkley Town Centre Races
- TT Result: WattShop TT Weekend Stage 2
- TT Result: WattShop TT Weekend Stage 1
- Result: Lancashire Road Club Summer Handicap RR
- Result: Dick Londragan Road Race
- Result: Full Gas Summer Circuit Series 8
- Result: RNAS Merryfield Race Day
- TT Result: Border City Whs CC 10
Other News on VeloUK
- START LISTS FOR BRITISH ROAD CHAMPIONSHIPS
- STARTLIST: Two day Giant Tugby Ronde van Wymeswold
- NEWS: MAJOR JUNIOR TEAMS TO MERGE FOR 2026
- Entries Wanted: Ilkley Town Centre Races
- Report/Result: Women’s Tour of Britain Stage 2
- Report: Women’s Tour of Britain Stage 1
- STARTLIST: Owen Blower Memorial Road Races
- Events: Halesowen Academy Road Race
- News: May Pedal Club Lunch
- RIBBLE PARTNERS WITH THE BIKE FITTERS
- Monday: Witham Wheelers Road Races
- British Stars for Women’s Tour of Britain
- Women’s Tour of Britain Riders 2025
- BIKES: RIBBLE UNVEILS ULTRA-RACE
- Women’s Tour of Britain Routes
- STARTLISTS: 2025 Lincoln Grand Prix
- STARTLIST: The Witham Hall Grand Prix
- Startlist: Timmy James Memorial Grand Prix
- FEATURE: PEDAL CLUB LUNCH REPORT (APRIL)
- 2025 BRITISH ROAD CHAMPIONSHIPS – ROUTES
- STARTLIST: Sloan Trophy (April 27)
- News: Teams Revealed for the Women’s Tour of Britain
- Startlist: CiCLE Classic International
- Sunday: CiCLE Classic UCI Road Race
- News: Women’s Tour of Britain Stage Hosts
- PERTH GRAND PRIX (SCOTLAND)
- April 19: PNE National B Road Race
- STARTLIST: East Cleveland Classic
- Startlists: Witham Hall Junior Two Day (Men & Women)
- Startlist: Totnes-Vire Two Day
- STARTLISTS: Cold Dark Capenwray Road Races
- News: CiCLE Classic – Volunteers Wanted
- Startlist: Danum Trophy 2025
- This weekend: National Under 23 Road Series Rd 1
- Road Championships Heading to Wales
- Glasgow Track League Final Standings
- SUNDAY: Dulwich Paragon Wally Gimber Trophy
- NEW: Wentworth Woodhouse Grand Prix, Rotherham
- Club News: Halesowen Academy 10th Anniversary Teams
- Club News: Edinburgh Road Club Youth Squad 2025