Summery weather, a happy local hero and lots of contenders for victory: the conditions for the Eschborn – Frankfurt cycle race couldn’t be better. The last information on May 1st.
Labor Day is traditionally cycling day in Hesse. The prestigious Eschborn-Frankfurt cycling race starts again this year on May 1st. Here you will find the most important questions and answers.
What is it about? Is John Degenkolb there? Who are the favorites? How will be the weather? What do spectators need to know along the route? How can you follow the race?
What is it about?
The 61st edition of the Eschborn-Frankfurt cycling race is already breaking records. For the first time this year, 10,000 amateur athletes will take part in the fully booked amateur race and cycle on three routes of varying difficulty through the Taunus and the surrounding area of Frankfurt.
The highlight of the event on May 1st is of course the professional race, which features the most prominent field of participants of all time. “A total of 17 teams that are also competing in the Tour de France are coming to Frankfurt,” summarized race director Fabian Wegmann. “The race has never been so high-profile.” The elite start at 12:05 p.m.
Is John Degenkolb there?
As of now: yes. The local hero from Oberursel, who had to worry about starting his home race after a training accident and bursitis in his knee, wants to be there on Wednesday. In an interview with hr-sport, John Degenkolb asked for leniency and asserted that he was not in top shape after a two-week break. The fact that the 35-year-old will be seen at all should make all fans on the track and in front of the television sets happy.
Who are the favorites?
So Degenkolb is unlikely to compete for victory. The route, which is once again very difficult, promises a lot of excitement even without a Hessian favorite. Since, like last year, the field has to struggle twice over the Feldberg and three times over the Mammolshainer Stich, the demands on potential winners are extremely high. “Sprinters who are strong in the mountains have the best chances,” said ex-professional Marcel Kittel, outlining the requirements profile.
That’s why last year’s winner Sören Kragh Andersen is particularly popular with bookmakers. But the Swiss Marc Hirschi and the Belgian Maxim Van Gils are also hotly traded. From a German perspective, Nils Politt, Max Schachmann and Jonasrutsch from Erbach are particularly interesting.
How will be the weather?
As befits a (cycling) holiday: summery. According to the hr weather editorial team, the 30 degree mark will be missed on Wednesday by the width of a racing bike tire. With temperatures between 24 and 29 degrees, May 1st could be the warmest day of the year so far. Whether this is good or bad news for drivers is a matter of taste. But it couldn’t be better for all the spectators along the route. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!
What do spectators need to know along the route?
Speaking of spectators: This year the 203 kilometer long route once again offers numerous hotspots for all Hessian and non-Hessian cycling fans. For the first time, there is a big summit festival in the immediate vicinity of the Feldberg peak, and there is always a folk festival atmosphere on Mammolshainer Berg. The old town thoroughfares in Eppstein and Oberursel are a little quieter – but even more tranquil. The finish area at the Alte Oper impresses with its skyline view and colorful supporting program. An overview of the best spots along the route can be found here.
How can you follow the race?
If you decide against a trip to the route despite the great weather (or would like more information on site), you can of course also follow the cycling race on television, in the live stream or in the live ticker. The broadcast begins at 12 p.m. and can be seen on hr- Fernsehen as well as on hessenschau.de, on YouTube and in the ARD media library. The race is commented on by Florian Naß, with Marcel Kittel sitting at his side as an expert.