Lotto Soudal rider Roger Kluge shares his insights on what it takes to be one of the best lead-out riders in the pro cycling world. With twelve seasons of experience, Kluge highlights the significance of trust in a sprint train, stating, “I would say that trust is by far the most important element of a sprint train. You simply need to have faith in the guys in front of you.”
When asked about the skills required to be a good lead-out guy, Kluge emphasizes the need for performance and endurance, explaining, “You need to be in excellent shape… and it takes a guy who is able to hold this high power for a short time and can repeat this several times.” He also mentions the importance of experience and organizational skills to navigate the chaotic sprint preparations.
Kluge also shares his experiences working with Caleb Ewan, one of the best sprinters in the peloton. He describes their collaboration as intense but rewarding, with both good and bad moments, stating, “We always try to fight through these difficult moments, we take the time to analyze and we talk a lot. We knew we were able to do it, so we took the next real sprint opportunity with both hands and won it.”
This year, Kluge welcomes compatriots Michael Schwarzmann and Rüdiger Selig to the team, highlighting their contributions and the smoothness they bring to the lead-out train. Kluge expresses his excitement about having more Germans on the team.
The importance of trust, performance, and collaboration are paramount in forming a strong sprint train, and Kluge’s insights provide valuable knowledge for aspiring lead-out riders.
