DGermany, a country of motorists, traditionally. Likewise a cycling nation – if one follows at least the estimates that more than 75 million bicycles are in use. So almost one bike per inhabitant. And if you order a new bike, the pandemic-driven two-wheeler boom will wait months for delivery.
Professional cycling had to wait almost exactly 700 days in this country before it really became visible again. The four-day tour of Germany that ended on Sunday had once again sent a peloton of professional pedals onto German roads. There will only be two more racing days with professional participation in this country this year. With the Eschborn – Frankfurt race, which has been postponed from the traditional May Day date to September 19, and the Münsterland Giro. So that’s six days of racing in total.
Not much in view of the fact that the big wheel has long been turned again elsewhere. A cycling nation does not have to be a cycling nation. Especially since the French sports event multi Amaury Sport Organization is behind the Deutschland Tour and Eschborn – Frankfurt. It is quite possible that professional cycling in Germany would have practically disappeared from the scene for another year without French help.
German cyclists at the top of the world
“The Germans were extremely strict about events in contrast to the other countries. You have to say that the sport has suffered ”, said Nils Politt these days. The man from Cologne is currently experiencing the most successful phase of his career: stage victory in the Tour de France in July, success now in the Germany tour. With Politt, Pascal Ackermann, Emanuel Buchmann, Maximilian Schachmann and Lennard Kämna, German cycling has racing drivers who, on good days – each on their own special terrain – are among the absolute best in the world.
And still be able to belong to the elite of their sport for the foreseeable future. With the team Bora-hansgrohe from Upper Bavaria there is an ambitious cycling company that sets itself the highest goals and in the new year, it can be assumed, will strive for a podium place in the Tour de France with all its might. This proves: When it comes to sport, people think big on the professional level.
The bike events in this country, however, have not been able to keep pace for a long time. German junior drivers, for example, grew up even before the pandemic, but they had more assignments in neighboring countries than at home – there is no improvement in sight for the time being. And the Germany tour is international, especially since the Spain tour is taking place these days, rather a lightweight. Nevertheless, even in a short version, it is an event of enormous value. For the professionals, including those from the second guard, for the young drivers. You take what you get, especially after the long doldrums. A glimmer of hope, after all.
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