"Next season, I have two goals…" – Max Schachmann reborn with The Wolfpack and targeting a return to the Paris-Nice-winning form of his peak
Cycling
After several stop-start seasons hampered by health and setbacks, Max Schachmann quietly rebuilt himself in 2025 — and now the former two-time Paris-Nice champion is eyeing a full-blooded return to winning level in Soudal - Quick-Step colours next year.
Back in the Wolfpack jersey for the first time since the end of the 2018 season, the German delivered two victories, a prologue win and spell in yellow at Itzulia Basque Country, and a top-three overall at the prestigious WorldTour race. He also regained the German time trial title and played a key support role for Remco Evenepoel at the Tour de France.
Reflecting on his comeback campaign in a press release on the Soudal - Quick-Step team's official website, Schachmann underlined the importance of rediscovering belonging and confidence. “I think it was a good year. I enjoyed being back in blue with the Wolfpack and that motivated me as I got my season underway in Algarve. It was a solid start there, and getting a top five overall showed that I had strong legs, which gave me confidence for the next races.”
A minor illness blunted his momentum ahead of Paris-Nice — a race he has won twice — but even then, he remained a key lieutenant. “It was a pity that I got a bit sick before Paris-Nice, a race I love, but even in these conditions, I did my best to help Ilan.”
Basque brilliance and a Tour return
It was in the Basque Country where the 31-year-old truly reminded the peloton of his class, taking the opening-day prologue, holding yellow, collecting podiums and finishing third overall.
“To win the prologue, enjoy a spell in the yellow jersey, get a few more podiums and finish third on the general classification was really great. The fact that in June I conquered the ITT title at the Nationals – a victory that was missing from my palmares – rounded out what I believe was a solid first part of the season.”
Schachmann later returned to the Tour de France, slotting seamlessly into both Remco Evenepoel’s GC support and Tim Merlier’s sprint train. “Being back at the start of the Tour de France was nice, and I tried to help the team whenever possible. It was a hard Tour, but it ended up being a great one for us, with four wins and lots of beautiful memories.”
Schachmann took the leader's jersey in the Basque Country
Two clear targets for 2026
Already preparing for next season, Schachmann’s goals are precise: hold his Basque-level form — and turn it into results across the Ardennes and beyond.
“Now I’m already training for next season, where I have two goals: to continue improving and to hit the level I had last April, in the Basque Country, because I am able to do that, I know I can do some nice things.”
And with the World Championships heading to Montreal — a hilly route that suits all-round Classics-climbers — he has already circled a date. “I’m also looking forward to the Ardennes Classics, and even if it’s a long way until then, I would like to be at the start of the World Championships in Montreal.”
From rebuilding trust in his body to rediscovering the bite of old, Schachmann sounds like a rider not just satisfied with a revival — but determined to make the next step. And if he truly returns to the level that once made him one of the most versatile riders in the peloton, the Wolfpack may have a serious winning card back in its deck.
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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