Photo: Florian Weiner
Experience the Saarland by bike on open roads! What is usually only offered to professional cyclists will be possible for everyone on August 25. The Cycling Tour, the popular sports event as part of the Deutschland Tour, offers two routes worth seeing for yourself.
The grand finale of the Deutschland Tour on Sunday begins once again this year with the amateur athletes riding themselves. Up to 2500 participants are expected in Saarbrücken, who can choose their favorite from two routes.
Bliesgau loop over 107 kilometers
Ambitious bike fans will experience a Saarland cycling treat on August 25. From the heart of the state capital, the Bliesgau Loop covers more than 100 kilometers. The typical ups and downs of the landscape are reflected in the route profile - this Sunday excursion has almost 1300 meters of altitude to offer.
After starting in front of the Saarland State Theater, the route heads north to St. Ingbert. Then the climbing legs are in demand for the first time. The "Spieser Hohl" climb is only 900 meters short and will encourage some riders to set a new best time on this segment. The descent to Neunkirchen and the ride through the Wagwiesental valley will provide some breathing space for the Rombach ascent. The northernmost point of the loop and almost the Saarland border is then reached in Fürth. Now the highlight of the route profile comes into sight: For almost 3 kilometers, the route climbs at a good pace and not too steeply uphill to Frankenholz. The reward for the effort is 40 kilometers of downhill and only slightly undulating terrain through the Bliesgau. After passing Homburg, the route continues past Schwarzenacker and from here onto the same route where the professionals will race for the overall victory of the Deutschland Tour in the afternoon. Before the finale, a true Saarland classic awaits - the Galgen. A gradient of up to 15% characterizes the challenge shortly before the end of the race. Once this has been mastered, the last 20 kilometers back to Saarbrücken are pure joy. The route heads downhill towards Halberg Castle and on to the finish on Heuduckstraße. Carried by the applause of the spectators, all Cycling Tour participants cross the same finish line as the professionals of the Deutschland Tour.
Valley tour over 58 kilometers
For amateur athletes looking for a race atmosphere with fewer kilometers and altitude meters, the Tälerrunde is the perfect option. At just under 60 kilometers, it also promises a unique experience for anyone who wants to take part in a race for the first time. The course is shortened after St. Ingbert and leaves the route of the long distance. The Tälerrunde leads through the Kleberbachtal nature reserve to Kirkel, where it rejoins the route of the Bliesgau Loop.
Deutschland Tour-finale to ride yourself
Ride your own bike on fully closed roads - that's what the Cycling Tour offers on August 25. If you want to experience the Deutschland Tour atmosphere in Saarland for yourself, book your starting place at www.deutschland-tour.com. The low early bird rate still applies. You can join the tour for as little as 89 euros, with many extras and a free jersey included.