Lennard Kämna cites that one of his reasons to leave Bora was "negotiations were put on hold after the accident" and never really resumed

Lennard Kämna is leaving the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe team at the end of the year. The German hasn't had the chance to race in the new jersey yet, and he likely won't add too many race days with a Red Bull logo either as he's still on a road of recovery from a serious training accident in April.

In an interview with the Deutsche Presse-Agentur, the 27-year-old spoke about his decision to leave BORA. "It wasn't easy for me, but I stand by it one hundred per cent," said Kämna, who has been riding for the German team since 2020.

Read also

"I was going full gas and I heard from behind; 'more, more, more'" - Adam Yates buries himself in service of Tadej Pogacar on stage 19 of 2024 Tour de France

In a collision with car in Tenerife, Kämna suffered severe chest trauma with rib fractures and a bruised lung. He was only able to leave hospital after four weeks. After that, the professional cyclist's future remained in limbo. "Ralph Denk said that negotiations were put on hold after the accident. And that if the rehab goes in the right direction, he intends to extend my contract. I'll leave it at that," said Kämna briefly.

Denk explained in the podcast 'Inside Red Bull - Bora - hansgrohe' that there had been no more negotiations, as the professional cyclist had already decided "in favour of something else". It is not yet official where the 27-year-old is heading for next season, however persistent rumours connect the German climber with Lidl-Trek.

Read also

Geraint Thomas on Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard's Plateau de Beille performance: "I've heard the numbers. It's just bonkers"

Regardless of a slightly bittersweet farewell, Kämna is grateful for his time at Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe. "The team gave me a lot and I was able to give a lot to the team. But you also have to look at how my role is seen and how other teams do it," explained the climber. His big goal for the coming year is "to be at the Tour. It's difficult for me to say what role I'll play, it was easier before the accident."

And Kämna has even more wishes for the future: "My big long-term goal is to ride for the overall classification in one of the three grand tours." After his accident, however, he also admitted the need to take things step by step before he aim towards the top: "At the moment, that's a long way off."

Read also

"It’s a key moment in my career" - Remco Evenepoel matches Jonas Vingegaard on stage 19 of Tour de France all but confirming place on final podium

PREVIEW | Tour de France 2024 stage 20 - Tadej Pogacar's celebration ride through the mountains