The biggest offer that ever existed
Next weekend is showtime: The 16. Edition of Rad am Ring cycling festival is taking place - and the offer is more extensive than ever before. In addition to the heart of the event, the 24-hour races on tarmac and off-road, the amateur races and the second edition of the mountain bike marathon, eBike am Ring complements the festival as a new event component this year and offers seminars, workshops and test opportunities in this bike segment, which supposedly is also and above all of interest to visitors and supporters. In addition, we compiled for you an extended supporting program with pump track, trial show, live music and expert interviews.
The finals of cycling weekend Rad am Ring were a single great winner party. Thousands of 24h-riders celebrated their achievement when riding down the finish stretch with Ralph Schwörer and Marion Wittler being the winners of the solo categories. In the pro race Rudi Altig Race (UCI category 1.1) that started shortly after, Huub Duijn of team Veranda’s Willems-Crelan took the win. A weekend with about 8,500 athletes competing and the riders’ dedication was rewarded with great, but very windy, cycling weather.
Riders who want to win on the Nürburgring have to perform at their best. Huub Duijn of Veranda’s Willems-Crelan managed to do so best in the second edition of pro race Rudi Altig Race and finished first in 3:27:57 hours.
Those who like diversion when it comes to cycling will love the Saturday at Rad am Ring. This year even more so as some premiers were added to the offer: a mountain bike marathon, a kids race and a freestyle competition. Not to forget the varied framework program that was extended in 2017 as well. The 24h-race that started today around noon nevertheless remains the center piece of Rad am Ring.
“If you stop pedaling you will topple over“ – what is true for the bicycle is also true for Rad am Ring. This year, the festival has developed further in the direction of being 360 degrees of cycling. In 2017, e.g., a mountain bike marathon on Grand Prix circuit and in the area around the Ring with a choice of three distances (25, 50 and 75 km) was added to the offer for cross-country enthusiasts.
22 kilometers, over 500 meters difference in altitude, up to 17 percent ascent and 11 percent descent: starters at the Profile Design time trial, the traditional kickoff event of cycling festival Rad am Ring, had to work really hard. Nevertheless, they rode very fast times. Winner of the men’s category is Team Vorarlberg rider Manuel Bosch in 32:44 minutes, in the women’s category Bianca Lust of Team d.velop Cycle Café Ladies was the fastest rider in 39:58 minutes – and for both of them, it was just the warm-up.
Time trial circuits usually have two characteristics: they are flat and straight so the fast men and women can push the speed properly. At Rad am Ring, things are a little different though: on the 22 kilometers of legendary Nordschleife gather more than 500 meters difference in altitude and over 70 bends. Riders therefore could push as well, but just in a little different way. And they did very impressively.
Rad am Ring has come a long way: celebrating its 15th anniversary, the cycling weekend at Nürburgring has grown from a small event with only 73 participants in the 24h race back in 2003 to a cycling classic with more than 8,500 participants from different parts of Germany and becomes increasingly attractive for cyclist from all over the world, too: Armando Espinoza probably travels the furthest to take part in the 24h race: the former combat helicopter pilot with the US Marines, 8 time Ironman triathlete and passionate cyclist lives on Maui, Hawaii. When he learned about Rad am Ring and the Ledschends charity team that takes part in the 24h-bike race every year, he decided to fly around half the world to support this charity cause, too.
In the life of Armando Espinoza, many things happened not by accident, but with hard work dedication and a little luck. Becoming a pilot with the US Marines for example, taking part in Ironman triathlons and bike races or meeting Sascha Poth, The Founder of Charity Team "Ledschends", on his home island Maui. They meet while riding up Haleakala, Maui's 3500 meter volcano also know as "The House of the Sun". "Sascha told me about the event, the 24h race and the charity team that rides to raise funds for children in need. I immediately knew I wanted to be part of it”, Espinoza recalls. "It was a challenge like no other I have done before and to benefit children, be able to race on a Formula 1 race circuit is special.”
For his 24h debut, he decided to take one of the biggest challenges you can choose at Rad am Ring: a Solo start. But Armando Espinoza loves challenges, especially when they are taken for a reason: “Everybody has a passion", he says. "What you do with it is up to you. Mine is riding a bike and if I can use it to help others by doing something I love that makes it even better. Sometimes I get to wrapped up on winning and forget why I race. Rad am Rig is a true testament to the love of the sport."
Espinoza does not travel to the Nürburgring unprepared or without ambition, though. He rides up to between 25 an 30 hours per week that add up to an average of 300 miles (approx. 550 km). As his job as a private pilot involves a lot of traveling, he often shifts to indoor cycling as he cannot take his bike with him everywhere and some places are “too risky and not bike friendly to ride outside.” For his 24h debut at the Ring, he will be provided with a bike of our partner Felt that will be equipped with a special edition of Profile Design wheels displaying his name and the US flag – and Armando Espinoza is looking forward to putting both to use at the end of July as he is used to courses with lots of climbing: “At home on Maui you cannot do a ride that has less than 2,500 to 3,500 feet (750-1,000 meters) of climbing”, he says. “But Nürburgring will be something completely different as the climbing will add up.” The US Marine will bring his son Alex Espinoza to the Ring as his race support, but it won’t be the two of them for very long. “I have already met other Team Ledschends members to include James Early, former pro cyclist and last years 4 Man team winner (Master 1 category). An event like this is about camaraderie, about sharing the experience with friends, family and competitors. I am excited to be on the same course as experienced 24h riders.”
Among them will be former mountain bike champion Karl Platt, last years pro race winner Paul Voß and former pro cyclist René Haselbacher.
“We are proud that Rad am Ring increasingly attracts a mix of people from different (professional) backgrounds and different countries all united in the love for cycling. The percentage of athletes from other countries may be still quite small, but considering that we started with only a handful of riders back in 2003, we are positive that this event will continue to grow across borders. Armando Espinoza’s taking part in our 24h race shows that the concept is attractive to cyclists all over the world”, says head organizer Hanns-Martin Fraas.
For further information on these events and Rad am Ring in general please visit our website at www.radamring.de
About Rad am Ring
Rad am Ring is a cycling event which has taken place at Nuerburgring since 2003. The course leads through the very modern Formula 1 arena and over the legendary Nordschleife. Highlights are the 24h races on the traffic-free, partly lit race course and the team quarters in the pit lane. Furthermore, in 2017 Rudi Altig Race, a pro race of UCI category 1.1 will take place for the second time. Besides the ultra- and the long-distance event several amateur races, a time trial, for the first time a mountain bike marathon and some bike rides without timekeeping are held at 2017 Rad am Ring. The amateur races are part of German Cycling Cup, Germany's largest series of amateur cycle races.
5,062 participants made this unique region to the hotspot of the mountain bike scene!
Despite heavy rainfalls, 768 bikers lined up at 5 am in the morning to tackle the Salzkammergut-Trophy.
It has been a stunning and hard fought race whereby Konny Looser, the current Spanish MTB Champion Joseba Albiuzu Lizaso and the 2012 Trophy winner Ondre Fojtik provided a exciting race.
At the end, after 7119 meter of elevation and a time of 10..24.32 , merely 2 seconds made the difference between the Swiss winner Looser and Joseba Albiuzu Lizaso.
Sabine Sommer defends her title!
Sabine Sommer made it once again, and her winner time of 12.50.12 earned for her the legendary Trohy-devil. The winner of 2014 Milena Cesnakova from Czech Republic followed her closely, whereby the podium had been rounded up by Irina Krenn [AUT}. In total 22 women lined up for this distance however only 14 of them finished.
B-Distance: Winner Matous Ulman [CZE] and Barbara Mayer [AUT]
One and two went to Czech Republik. Matous Ulman’s time of the 119.5 km distance: 5:03:59, followed by Jiří Novák (5:06:46) and a local hero from Gosau Lukas Islitzer (AUT/5:14:14). Barbara Mayer (AUT) won the women category: 6:04:58. Runner up Jana Pichlíková (CZE) 6:24:54 and Cemile Trommler (GER/ 6:48:31) took 3..
He was the first winner of pro race Rudi Altig Race – this year, Paul Voss will slow down a bit for a good cause. The distance will increase considerably, however.
Paul Voss has only recently declared his retirement from pro racing. The winner of the first Rudi Altig race that premiered last year at Rad am Ring, is nevertheless still attracted by road racing. He will indulge in this passion at this year’s event as a member of charity team Ledschends. After all, the racetrack is far too special not to ride it again: “There are many fast bends and short, steep climbs”, Voss remembers from his 2016 race. “The course actually being a motor sport race track provides a very special situation. The tarmac, e.g., is flawless and faster.”
This knowledge will certainly be of advantage in the 24h bike race. Tough the former pro’s focus clearly is on “having fun and supporting the project ’Hilfsgruppe Eifel – Hilfe für krebskranke Kinder e.V.’“ this time, he’d surely be glad to win once again at the Ring. Speaking of glad: He is still very pleased to be the rider whose name got engraved on the roll of honor at Nürburgring as the first winner of Rudi Altig race. “It means a lot to me. It is an honor to be perpetuated on this roll“, says Voss who has meanwhile come to support young riders with his own “Paul Voss Development Team“ and as sports director of team Wiggins to that also some U23 riders belong to. “I want to show them the upsides as well as the downsides of this sport“, he says. “And I want to create structures in which young athletes can take their time to develop.“
Rad am Ring extends their offer for mountain bikers by a mountain bike marathon. Cross-country fans may already “ride” the course via video. It is a very special course – says mountain bike pro Karl Platt.
Eifel region is a paradise for mountain bikers – the new mountain bike marathon at Rad am Ring will take them to hell and back, however. To “Green Hell” (Grüne Hölle) to be precise. The course follows Nürburgring’s notorious Nordschleife on finest trails, gravel- and forest roads and sometimes even crosses the legendary asphalt of the racing course in order to keep the course skillfully from crossing roads and to offer all participants a unique experience at start and finish line. “There is no trail that combines both my passions as brilliantly as Nürburgring – motor sport and mountain biking”, enthuses mountain bike pro Karl Platt. The multiple winner of Cape Epic and Transalp is a regular in the Eifel and knows every kilometer of this region.
Cross-country riders who are interested in the course can explore it in advance: a video taken from the rider’s perspective takes them on the course via www.radamring.de. The course provides a few extra climbs due to several “zigs” and “zags” like the steep ascent from the deepest point of the course in “Breidscheid” that leads up alongside the former natural stands underneath giant trees.
“The Nürburgring sections are legendary“, says Platt. “Riding there is a unique experience. There are more difficult trails, but very few that give you such goose bumps.”
One lap of the mountain bike marathons that may be ridden up to three times covers 25 kilometers and approximately 870 vertical meters. Start is at the Formula 1 starting line between the impressive pit building and the stands. Also the finish line at the end of 25, 50 or 75 race kilometers is located where all winners are crowned at Nürburgring – at the Formula 1 finish line.
This is, however, by far not all Rad am Ring offers fans of cross-country cycling: besides the off-road option of 24hour-race, a cross-country race will take place as well in 2017.
For further information on the event please go to www.radamring.de
05.04.2017
Save the date: Le Mans Shimano 24 Hours Cycling 9th edition will be held on August 26th and 27th, 2017. The organisers (CGO) have received confirmation from the Automobile Club de l’Ouest management office.
5 000 riders and staff members coming from all parts of France and around 15 different foreign countries are expected to take part in this atypical cyclosportive event. They will ride through the night to do as many laps as they can during the 24 hours race in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. You can ride solo or by teams of 2, 4, 6 or 8 people by relay, this cyclosportive is accessible to everyone according to the chosen category.
For those who are willing to discover the incredible atmosphere of a great endurance-race on the famous circuit of Le Mans, registration will start the 29th of November on www.24heuresvelo.fr
06.10.2016
Paul Voss is the first winner of Rudi Altig Race. The return of pro riders, 50 years after Rudi Altig’s title win at the World Championship at Nürburgring in 1966, perfectly rounded off the comprehensive program of Rad am Rang. Winners of the category “individual riders” of 24-hour race, that also finished today, are Rainer Steinberger and Jamie Kelleher. A great weekend with more than 10,000 participants – and cycling in all its facets.
There was a lot going on Sunday at noon at Nürburgring. While riders of the 24-hour races pedaled their last kilometers, pro riders lined up for the first ever Rudi Altig Race. This pro race of UCI category 1.1, that to a large extend could be brought into being thanks to the commitment of our partner GROFA® - House of Brands, put riders to a tough test: Not only because of the all in all 3,500 vertical meters that had to be climbed, spread over five laps on Nordschleife and five laps on Grand Prix circuit (140 km), but also because due to a rain shower the course was wet and slippery.
Already on the first lap, a group of about 15 to 20 riders took the lead and rode approximately 20 seconds ahead of the field. Among them the best German rider (overall result) at this year’s Tour de France, Emanuel Buchmann of Team Bora-Argon 18, who will leave for the Olympics in Rio after this race. On lap 2 the group had shrunk and in the course of the following laps Paul Voss of Bora-Argon 18 managed to break away by one minute from his hunters, among them Emanuel Buchmann and Davide Rebellin (CCC Sprandi Polkowice) who among others won Flèche Wallone, Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Amstel Gold Race. Despite having these strong riders in his back, Voss managed to stay in the lead and even widened the gap so that he rode the five final 5.1 km laps on Grand Prix circuit solo and safely won in 3:36:38 hours. Beside the overall win, Voss also the sprint and mountains classification. Places 2 and 3: Voss’ teammate Gregor Mühlberger (3:37:59 hours) and Slovenian road cycling champion Jan Tratnik of Amplatz BMC (3:38:10 hours). Buchmann and Rebellin finished fourth and fifth.
Before the pro race, riders of 24-hour races, the centerpiece of Rad am Ring, were on the circuit. More than 5,000 tired, but happy cyclists crossed the finish line at noon – partly arm in arm with their teammates while in the pit lane teams and supporters celebrated their riders and compensated with their radiant smiles the lack of sun that had so far been shining brightly over Nürburgring, but today stayed hidden behind some clouds.
After a starlit night Rainer Steinberger crowned himself king of Nürburgring in the category “men/individual riders” with 28 laps – each with 580 vertical meters and 25 kilometers. Jamie Kelleher won the women’s category with 20 laps. In the category team of 2 Maledetta Bicicletta won the women’s race in 24 laps, the men’s i.e. mixed race was won by Philipps Bike Team in 28 laps. Teams Ledschends1 (32 laps) and Moskovskaya Cycling Crew (30 laps) won the men’s race in the category teams of four and teams of eight respectively. Their counterparts in the women’s race were Koga Ladies 1 powered by Profile Design (29 laps) and Team DTAF - Doc Tom and Girlfriends (20 laps). Again this year, Koga Ladies remained unbeaten.
Also some prominent riders were among 24-hour participants. Former pro cyclist René Haselbacher, e.g., took part in 24-hour road race for “Ledschends”, a charity organization supporting disadvantaged children and families, he and his team finished on second place in the category team of eight. Mountain bike pro Karl Platt swapped his studded tires for slicks and won the 24-hour road race with his team of four (Ledschends1). Beside the road race, there also was a cross-country version for 24-hour riders.
The 24-hour mountain bike track covered approximately eight kilometers and like in previous years led up to historic Nürnburg after a short detour to Grand Prix circuit and back to the race track, partly over single trails. Lars Messerschmidt won this race in 51 laps in the men’s category, Tina Junghanns with 32 laps in the women’s category. Victors in the category teams of two were 24h Team Northwave (61 laps, men) and X-Sport Ladies MTB (32 laps, women). In the category team of four Team Bischibike-kopierpapier.ch powered by Protec won in 69 laps (men) and Dextro Energy Burn Babies in 51 laps (women). The win of the category team of eight went to Focus Rapiro Racing (72 laps, men) and Rockhopper Z in 50 laps (women).
24-hour eBike race epowered by Bosch that has been part of Rad am Ring since 2014 and is ridden in teams of four, was won by team Moustache Bikes in 35 laps. The circuit was slightly changed for eBikes. Instead of riding through “Klostertal” and “Karussell” the electric supported bikes had to climb the 27% ascend of “Steilstrecke”.
Furthermore, there were some more premiers at Rad am Ring this year: Giro Classico (races, touring, parts market) for fans of historic bicycles, eBike enduro race for experts and newbies on electric mountain bikes and a race of KMC MTB-Bundesliga that took place in nearby Off-road Park.
Still part of the program: amateur races over 25, 75 and 150 kilometers and Profile Design time trial on Friday evening. “The event made a big step forward in 2016. Starting with the significantly grown Expo to new disciplines and pro racing”, says head of organization, Hanns-Martin Fraas. “It was a real challenge, but we are happy that we have again come closer to our goal: To provide 360 degrees of cycling at Rad am Ring.”
By the way: The 2017 date for Rad am Ring will probably be July 28 to 30.
For further information please go to our website www.radamring.de
About Rad am Ring
Rad am Ring is a cycling event which has taken place at Nürburgring since 2003. The course leads through the very modern Formula 1 arena and over the legendary Nordschleife. In 2016 Off-Road-Park near Nürburgring was the third extraordinary race location. Highlights were the 24h races on the traffic-free, partly lit race circuit and the team quarters in the pit lane. Furthermore a pro race of the category 1.1 took place this year. Besides the ultra- and the long-distance event several amateur races, a time trial and some bike rides without timekeeping were held at 2016 Rad am Ring. The amateur races are part of German Cycling Cup, Germany's largest series of amateur cycle races
31.07.2016
For the third time, the hunt for the lap record spectacularly kicked off cycling festival Rad am Ring. This year, a strong field was at the starting line. Swiss pro cyclist Patrick Schelling of team Vorarlberg and track specialist Tatjana Paller of Koga Ladies were the fastest riders of Profile Design time trial over 22 kilometers. Pro triathlete and Ironman European Champion Sebastian Kienle and Olympic athlete and track rider Gudrun Stock finished third and second. For the first time also historic (time trial) bikes were allowed to the starting line.
Nürburgring is not a classic time trial circuit. Instead of flat, straight roads participants of Profile Design time trial have to deal with 580 vertical meters spread over 22 kilometers. And of course they have to climb them as fast as possible.
With a race time of 31:43:28 minutes pro cyclist Patrick Schelling of team Vorarlberg was the fastest rider in the men’s field. He was only a few seconds slower than reigning record holder, Spanish pro cyclist Victor de la Parte (31:11:17 min.). Pro triathlete and Ironman European Champion Sebastian Kienle, who was taken for a test ride on Nordschleife by car in the afternoon, finished third (34:01:50 minutes), despite “having to put a little more pressure on the pedals than in the Porsche this afternoon. But it was fun”, he said after the race that was part of his preparation for Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Australia at the beginning of September and Ironman World Championship on Hawaii in October. Runner up was Helmut Pitzl in 32:43:66 minutes.
In the women’s category Gudrun Stock lost her title in spite of a fast time (40:45 minutes) to her team mate at Koga Ladies, Tatjana Paller (39:44:55 minutes).
Gudrun Stock was not exasperated for long, however, as she will get off the saddle and almost directly on a plane to Rio where she will represent Germany at the Olympics in track cycling (team pursuit). „I am happy that the journey will start soon“, she said at the award ceremony. On third place: Yvonne Margraf of team Abus-Nutrixxion in 41:19:19 minutes.
Hans-Peter Durst, disabled athlete and four time World Champion in individual time trial, participated out of competition – on a special three-wheeled bicycle, as since he had an accident in 1994, he has lost his sense of balance. By starting at the Ring he did not only want to prove that he is fast – which he did in 47:02 minutes – but also give hope to people with and without handicap.
Besides high tech carbon racing machines, this time for the first time also fans of historic bicycles got something to see. Due to new Giro Classico also classic steel time trial bikes were allowed to the starting line. “This adds a whole new facet to the race by appealing to a wider range of cyclists”, said head of organization, Hanns-Martin Fraas. And apparently it also appealed to the weather god who sent the sun on time for the race start – and will hopefully let it shine over the Ring until the end of the event on Sunday.
On Saturday, the hobby sport highlight and center piece of Rad am Ring will start with 24-hour races for road, mountain and e-bikes. Furthermore, fans of pro racing will be given a real treat: a race of KMC MTB-Bundesliga series at Off-road-Park near Nürburgring.
For further information please go to our website www.radamring.de
30.07.2016
At Rudi Altig Race, this year for the first time pro riders will compete again in “Green Hell” of Nürburgring and nearby at Off-road Park in a race of mountain bike Bundesliga series. However, 24-hour races will remain the centerpiece of Rad am Ring with more than 5,000 participants expected to take part again this year. Touring rides, test bikes and a diversified entertainment program will round off the cycling festival that will take place from July 29 to 31. And the best thing about it: entry is free. Rad am Ring is worth a visit more than ever.
Already on Friday spectators will have the opportunity to watch pro riders do their job. At Profile Design time trial over 22 km triathlete and reigning Ironman European champion Sebastian Kienle will be at the starting line. Furthermore, track cyclist and Olympic athlete Gudrun Stock will try to defend her 2015 title.
On Saturday, Expo will be open the whole day and visitors may explore lots of sports-oriented products (nutrition, GoPro Actioncams ...) there as well as the exhibitor’s current bike models which can be borrowed for a test ride, if desired. Those loving historic bicycles may watch the steel classics cruise on Grand Prix circuit or spend some time at the historic parts market.
Only four weeks until the most diversified version of Rad am Ring since its premiere will take place. Cycling disciplines will be supplemented by an eBike Enduro Race, pro riders will return to the Ring for road and cross-country races and there will be special events for historic bicycles. Spectators and supporters will be given free entry. Those who have not yet registered for this spectacular cycling weekend may still do so – but better be quick. Online registration ends on July 11. After this date registrations can be submitted on site only.
In 2016 a lot is going on at Rad am Ring. The event is growing and developing – also thanks to our long-time and new partners from the bike sector. We could e.g. invite two new high-class pro races to Nürburgring: UCI 1.1 “Rudi Altig Race” road race and KMC mountain bike Bundesliga (national league).
The best thing about them: Both races – just like the amateur races, too – are cost-free for visitors and supporters and designed in a very spectator-friendly way.
Those who want to participate in one of the amateur races or touring events themselves, but have not yet registered for this cycling weekend taking place from July 29 to 31 may do so comfortably via online registration at a correspondingly more favorable price. After this date participants can only register on site, an additional late entry fee will be charged.
Deciding in which event to take part will be even more complicated this time. Besides our highlight, the 24-hour race (road and cross-country) as well as various amateur races and touring events we will offer an additional option for electronically supported mountain bikes with our eBike Enduro Race that is fit for beginners as well as pros of which some have already announced their participation: Mike Kluge, Stefan Schlie and Nicola Rohrbach will be at the starting line.
To fans of historic bicycles we will introduce Giro Classico with the option to participate in the time trial cost-free. Riders of historic bikes who want to take it more slowly may furthermore go for an exclusive touring ride on Grand Prix circuit and Nordschleife or get themselves a slot in a separate starting block at our amateur races over 75 and 150 km.
Further information at www.radamring.de
About Rad am Ring
Rad am Ring is a cycling event which has taken place at Nuerburgring since 2003. The course leads through the very modern Formula 1 arena and over the legendary Nordschleife. In 2016 Off-Road-Park near Nuerburgring will be the third extraordinary race location. Highlights are the 24h races on the traffic free, partly lit race course and the team quarters in the pit lane. Furthermore a pro race of the category 1.1 will take place this year. Besides the ultra- and the long-distance event several amateur races, a time trial and some bike rides without timekeeping will be held at 2016 Rad am Ring. The amateur races are part of German Cycling Cup, Germany's largest series of amateur cycle races.
07.07.2016
German pro road cyclists achieve good results, but there are less and less top-level races in Germany. Rad am Ring wants to take countermeasures with the support of GROFA – House of Brands® by means of a UCI category 1.1 race named after the last German World Champion on the Ring, Rudi Altig Race. “An inaugural race that has potential to become a classic”, as Rad am Ring race director Alexander Donike reckons – and a race that according to Team Stoelting manager Christian Große Keul “offers national riders the opportunity to present themselves in their home country.”
Bayernrundfahrt: cancelled. The pro race at the Velothon in Berlin: cancelled. Pro cycling in Germany is of increasing interest again due to good race results, but there are hardly any races where riders can present themselves in front of a home audience. Rad am Ring wants to take countermeasures, supported by GROFA – House of Brands®.
The UCI category 1.1 race is ambitious with its all in all 140 kilometers and 3,500 vertical meters on legendary Nuerburgring Nordschleife and Grand Prix circuit. A challenge for pro teams like Pro Continental Team Stoelting, but first of all an opportunity: “We are very happy about new races in which we can represent our sport in our home country”, enthuses Christian Große Kreul, team Stoelting’s General Manager.
The race is given special charm by its name giver who was associated with the Ring since his triumph at the 1966 World Championship: Rudi Altig who until his death on June 11, 2016, was convinced that winning a race in Gruene Hoelle (Green Hell) was “something very special”.
This inaugural race has potential to become a classic, reckons race director Alexander Donike, as the course with its many uphill and downhill passages demands everything from the riders. “I think it is a course for allrounders, they can be successful there. I would not necessarily expect a mass sprint, therefore I think that riders with a certain basic speed and strong legs will be able to cope best with the topography and therefore have the best chances to win”, forecasts Ralf Denk of Team Bora-Argon 18 that will participate in this race as well. He considers national events the foundation for successful cycling in Germany.
“This is an exciting new road we are taking. I am very happy and grateful that Rad am Ring gets unexpected opportunities due to GROFA’s support”, states Hanns-Martin Fraas, Head of Organization. “Thanks to this cooperation we have planning security for the next few years and chances are that this race becomes an established part of the pro race calendar.”
And an opportunity to remember name giver Rudi Altig every year in a very special way.
For further information please go to www.radamring.de
About Rad am Ring
Rad am Ring is a cycling event which has taken place at Nuerburgring since 2003. The course leads through the very modern Formula 1 arena and over the legendary Nordschleife. In 2016 Off-Road-Park near Nuerburgring will be the third extraordinary race location. Highlights are the 24h races on the traffic free, partly lit race course and the team quarters in the pit lane. Furthermore a pro race of the category 1.1 will take place this year. Besides the ultra- and the long-distance event several amateur races, a time trial and some bike rides without timekeeping will be held at 2016 Rad am Ring. The amateur races are part of German Cycling Cup, Germany's largest series of amateur cycle races.
28.06.2016
Rad am Ring honors the trend towards motor supported cycling by hosting an Enduro race for eMountain bikes – and it gets prominent support. Former pro cyclist Mike Kluge, trial bike pro Stefan Schlie and mountain biker Nicola Rohrbach will be at the starting line. The course, however, also offers ideal conditions for beginners who want to give cross-country eBiking a try.
The eBike sector is booming, from the year 2013 to 2014 alone it grew by 17 percent to a 12 percent market share. Also young, sports oriented riders are increasingly attracted by bikes supported by an electronic motor, especially since variations like eMountain bikes have entered the scene.*
Rad am Ring takes account of this trend and expands its cross-country offers by a very special event. In 2016 there will be another event for eBikers, epowered by Bosch, besides the 24 hour race: eBike Enduro race is a new format for pedelecs with ten stages on an exclusive terrain, the Offroadpark near Nuerburgring.
“We want to offer sustainable mobility solutions that provide people with a clear added value and are fun. eBike competitions are part of this concept”, explains Claus Fleischer, Head of Product Section Bosch eBike Systems. “We consider this race an exciting option for riders who do not want to spend 24 hours, but only about 24 minutes on the saddle and meet various challenges. We are convinced that eBike Enduro race will be well received.”
In the park and on the territory next to it there will be five stages signposted that have to be ridden two times each adding up to an overall race time of approximately 25 minutes. At start and finish line respectively individual race time will be recorded via chip. “At Offroadpark Enduro riders find everything an off roader’s heart may wish for: small single trails, artificial obstacles like tree sections and water crossings”, enthuses Course Manager Sven Schreiber. “We orientated ourselves on classic Enduro races with the small difference that this race also leads uphill.”
The course of the inaugural race is designed in such way that also beginners will be able to ride it. As it is forbidden to enter the circuit in advance the first round will be a “blind flight” for all participants, no matter whether World Champion or greenhorn. “It is above all about finding the best line, the speed is what makes it difficult”, Schreiber explains the basic idea of the Enduro race. “Pros will probably ride the course at full speed, beginners will rather go slowly.” It will be an exciting event anyway.
Not only because you hardly ever get the opportunity to ride on the same track as a World Champion, Mike Kluge. “What I like about eBiking is that I am almost as fast as I was during my pro career”, he says. “I have no pressure to win anymore, but I will certainly not give away a position or leave my line if I don’t have to.”
For further information please visit www.radamring.de
About Rad am Ring
Rad am Ring is a cycling event which has taken place at Nuerburgring since 2003. The course leads through the very modern Formula 1 arena and over the legendary Nordschleife. In 2016 Offroadpark near Nuerburgring will be the third extraordinary race location. Highlights are the 24h races on the traffic free, partly lit race course and the team quarters in the pit lane. Furthermore a pro race of the category 1.1 will take place this year. Besides the ultra- and the long-distance event several amateur races, a time trial and some bike rides without timekeeping will be held at 2016 Rad am Ring. The amateur races are part of German Cycling Cup, Germany's largest series of amateur cycle races.
09.06.2016
The registrations for TransDinara MTB Marathon 2016 are now open.
Some facts about the race:
Race type: stage marathon, 3 days / 3 stages
Race start: September 2nd, Trilj, Croatia
Race end: September 4th, Knin, Croatia
Total lenght: 226km
Total climb: 6500m
Categories: INDIVIDUAL (men/women) and TWO MEMBER TEAMS (men, women, mix)
Number of riders: limited to 100
Mandatory equipement: GPS device
Everything else can be found at our website www.transdinara.com (in English and Croatian language). Early bird discount is valid till April 30th.
03.04.2016
Thanks to new main sponsor GROFA® – House of Brands® 2016 Rad am Ring will get another addition: KMC MTB Bundesliga (national league) will take place on June 30 in Off-Road-Park next to the Formula1 course.
Since the inaugural event in 2003 Rad am Ring has developed into a cycling festival which is known beyond the borders of the Eifel region. This year the event with its numerous options for hobby athletes gets high-class support from the professional level. Besides the first pro road race (category 1.1) the fourth race of the KMC MTB-Bundesliga will take place at Rad am Ring.
The German Cycling Federation (BDR) is very happy about the new race in this internationally renowned series of the Olympic cross-country discipline. “Of course we welcome the fact that we will become a part of an event which is as recognized as Rad am Ring all over Europe. It is a very attractive event KMC-Bundesliga will benefit of. Furthermore the course in the outdoor park is perfectly suited for a cross-country race”, said Udo Sprenger, BDR’s Vice-President.
“Due to GROFA®’s entering as a sponsor and a contract at Nuerburgring over several years we finally can invest wisely in the future”, explained Head of Organization, Hanns-Martin Fraas. “With 24h-races for road- and mountainbikes, hobby sport races, time trials and touring rides our roots clearly are in hobby sports, but we want to continue developing the event. With pro level races we will add another facet which will attract the audience.”
“We want to expand the mountainbike part and draw the focus of Rad am Ring more to mountainbiking”, said Fraas. This also means that the inaugural KMC-Bundesliga race signals that Rad am Ring is thought of perspectively.
The third race of 2016 KMC MTB-Bundesliga will take place within one day and include Junior races as well as women’s and men’s Elite races, including U23 category.
For further information please visit mtb-bundesliga.net and www.radamring.de
About Rad am Ring
Rad am Ring is a cycling event which has taken place at Nuerburgring since 2003. The course leads through the very modern Formula 1 arena and over the legendary Nordschleife. In 2016 Off-Road-Park near Nuerburgring will be the third extraordinary race location. Highlights are the 24h races on the traffic free, partly lit race course and the team quarters in the pit lane. Furthermore a pro race of the category 1.1 will take place this year. Besides the ultra- and the long-distance event several amateur races, a time trial and some bike rides without timekeeping will be held at 2016 Rad am Ring. The amateur races are part of German Cycling Cup, Germany's largest series of amateur cycle races.
24.02.2016
In 2016, Berlin continues to establish itself as the international bicycle metropolis with numerous events, bicycle races and workshops as BERLIN BICYCLE WEEK unites cyclists under one banner for the second time. More than 60 events for all audiences will be held as part of the festival of activities. Always in focus: the bicycle as part of a healthy and social lifestyle.
The highlight of the week is of course the BERLINER FAHRRADSCHAU, from March 18-20, which has grown to become undoubtedly the world's leading bicycle lifestyle show for the public and industry, this year celebrating already its seventh edition.
More than 300 exhibitors - including well-known international brands like Specialized, Cannondale, Trek, and Rapha, to trendy urban brands like Schindelhauer, Brooks, and Van Moof, to speciality accessories, components, travel offerings, and more will show alongside the over 30 builders of the HANDMADE section, powered by Campagnolo, to provide a truly diverse mix for the public to see and experience. These elements and much more will unite for three days in an authentic and inspiring atmosphere of creativity and innovation, with racing, side events, and gastronomical delights to enjoy.
For a complete list of brands, please visit http://berlinerfahrradschau.de/en/#brands
Urban bike culture and fashion are also key elements of the events during the Berlin BICYCLE WEEK: A wide range of races and rides, the TEMPELHOF TESTIVAL where visitors can try many number of bikes and e-bikes. Another highlight of the week is HOLISTIC CYCLING, a series of events that sees the bicycle as a way to promote holistic awareness of body and soul. The program is supplemented by many other interesting activities, events and workshops.
Additional information BERLIN BICYCLE WEEK and BERLINER FAHRRADSCHAU can be found at www.berlinbicycleweek.com and www.berlinerfahrradschau.de.
14.02.2016
E — BIKE Festival Dortmund 2016 powered by SHIMANO: April 15 to 17, major manufacturers of the cycling industry will present all things connected with e-bikes for three days in the heart of the city of Dortmund, in time to kick off the 2016 season. In keeping with the motto, “plug into the future to get energized!”, visitors can - and should - get in the saddle themselves to experience and evaluate this new form of electric mobility on test courses or in one of the numerous side events. Registration for the DSW21 E-Bike Nightsprint, the BUFF® E-Bike criterion, the Hillclimb in the Bittermark and the SCOTT Junior Trophy presented by newspaper RuhrNachrichten is due to open at 12:00 noon on 11 February, 2016. Anyone with an interest in e-bikes may participate.
Sporting performance and an electric bicycle? That does not have to be a contradiction. Quite the contrary. Muscle strength, dexterity, and a fighting spirit are just as important with electric support as without. Anyone can take part at the E — BIKE Festival Dortmund 2016 powered by SHIMANO: No matter whether you are a pro, amateur, club racer, ambitious hobby cyclist, weekend sports cyclist or a fresh beginner. And if you have an electric bicycle of your own, you can of course use that. But if you don’t have one, you can use one of around 500 brand-new test bicycles provided by the exhibitors. The starters will be divided into classes of 25 km/h, 45 km/h and an open category. Registration for the exciting side events will start at 12:00 noon on 11 February.
Four riders competing against each other, on the newest e-bikes and against the unmatched backdrop of the Alter Markt in the center of Dortmund – that is the DSW21 E-Bike Nightsprint. In Dortmund’s top location, Diddie Schneider has built the eMTB-Testparcours - epowered by Bosch, a test obstacle course of 220 meters (722 ft.) for electric mountain bikes that is sure to delight all the mountain bike riders. Steep curves, a wave field, ramp and large jump, along with different terrains await the participants. The 32 fastest men and 16 fastest women will qualify for the finals Saturday evening and offer a spectacular show.
Road bike racing fans can look forward to a Tour de France time trial atmosphere. At the BUFF® E-Bike Criterion, the racers will start at 30-second intervals. The course is approx. 4.5 km (2.8 mi.) long and leads from the start at the festival stage in front of the Reinoldi Church through downtown Dortmund. Here, too, anyone and everyone can take part. All you have to do is register on time! The person with the fastest time can enjoy their success on the hot seat until someone else rides a faster round.
In the E-Bike Hillclimb in the suburb of Bittermark in southern Dortmund, racers will do the infamous climb up to the famous oak tree, the Viermärker Eiche. In the challenging mountain time trial including a ramp with a 20 ° incline at the end of the course, the participants can utilize the potential offered by an electric bicycle up to the final watt!
In the SCOTT Junior Trophy presented by newspaper RuhrNachrichten, youngsters from three years will be able to show what they’re worth on the round course around the Reinoldi Church and win fantastic prizes. The school or club with the most participants will also receive an award.
You can find all the information on the festival, the side events and registration at www.ebike-festival.org and https://www.facebook.com/ebikefestivaldortmund/?fref=ts.
08.02.2016
Cyclocross is the first multi-day cyclocross and gravel stage race in the world and premieres in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, from 12 to 14 February 2016. The new ultra-format covers a distance of 202 km and an elevation gain of 3,230 m across demanding terrain in challenging winter conditions, divided up into a prologue and two long stages. As preparation for the world premiere, TORTOUR Cyclocross is offering two exclusive cyclocross technique trainings, guided by
mountain bike and cyclocross pro Florian Vogel. The first training session took place last Saturday in Zurich.
It is the afternoon of 12 December 2015 and around 20 well-wrapped-up figures are gathered outside in the cold in front of Dolder sports centre overlooking Zurich. Their goal: to hone their cycling skills. In the middle of winter? That’s right! They are here to participate in an afternoon cyclocross technique training session with pro Florian Vogel in preparation for the new ultra-race TORTOUR Cyclocross. After a short welcome from the friendly professional and the TORTOUR organising committee, it’s off to the practice area. Riding either cyclocross or mountains bikes, the participants were taught the basics of off-road cycling, including how to take curves, hopping on and off the bike quickly and shoulder their bikes correctly – all in a fun, laid-back atmosphere. Techniques that come so easily to Florian Vogel posed a real challenge for many of the participants. But on the short ride that completed the session, all were able to showcase their new skills and complete the course with flying colours.
Huge success
“The technique training was really great!” enthused participant Soren Mose. “Florian is really nice. He demonstrated everything really clearly and was a great teacher. Even though I already had some background knowledge, I still gained a lot from today. On top of that, the atmosphere in the group was excellent and the event insiders that were there gave us some really exciting information about the new TORTOUR Cyclocross race. It was a huge success!” And what is Florian Vogel’s motivation for offering the training? “I’ve been offering coaching sessions like these for a while now and would like to do more in this area,” says the professional cyclist. “TORTOUR Cyclocross is a really special event. The organisers have come up with a long-overdue and yet globally unique race format. It is therefore an honour for me to lend my support to such an event by sharing my professional knowledge. It also brings me an enormous amount of pleasure to see the
participants leave my training sessions having mastered the necessary techniques. That is motivation enough.”
Second technique training session on 30 January 2016
The second technique training session with Florian Vogel will take place on 30 January 2016, once again in Zurich. To make sure that the training is as beneficial as possible, participant numbers are limited to 20 people. There are currently still places available. Cost: CHF 90 per person. For further
details and to register, visit: www.tortour.com/. Register for the TORTOUR Cyclocross winter adventure Registration for the first multi-day ultra cyclocross race in the world, TORTOUR Cyclocross, taking place from 12 to 14 February 2016 in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, is open until 31 January 2016. After a 13 km prologue on Friday, participants will have to overcome distances of 99 km on Saturday and 90 km on Sunday. The course leads through woodland, crosses meadows and fields, and includes few stretches on tarmacked roads. The participants will also have to reckon with obstacles including steps and tree trunks lying across the track. Cyclists can race solo or in teams of two or four, always keeping together. TORTOUR Cyclocross is a tough challenge: it requires participants to have a high level of technical skill as well as the stamina to withstand temperatures around zero degrees, snow and mud. Starting positions are sold as part of an all-inclusive package, which includes accommodation, all meals (as well as provisions during the race), and other amenities. Athletes can take part in the race on cyclocross bikes or mountain bikes. All information about the race can be found at www.tortour.com, where you can also register.
Film teaser to the ultra cyclocross adventure
If you can’t quite imagine what awaits you at TORTOUR Cyclocross, check out the event’s film teaser and witness all the emotion and adventure that this ultra-format winter race entails:
http://tortour.com/media/videos/
14.12.2015