The cycling classic Around Cologne is moving into early summer! Starting in 2015, the oldest German one-day race will take place on the second Sunday in June. The two organizers Artur Tabat and Alexander Donike agreed on this last week with the representatives of the cities and municipalities involved.
“We are delighted that, after many positive discussions with our local working group, we have found a new date,” said a relieved Tabat, who is organizing the cycling classic for the 41st time this coming Easter Monday. “I would like to sincerely thank all the representatives of the participating towns and municipalities. This means that nothing now stands in the way of the 100th edition of our wonderful cycling classic in June 2016. For our anniversary, we want to celebrate a cycling festival throughout the region, blessed with plenty of sunshine.”
The city administration of Bergisch Gladbach is also relieved about the new date. "I am very happy that the talks held in Gladbach's town hall have led to such a good solution," says Lutz Urbach, Mayor of Bergisch Gladbach, who initiated a positive result. Because especially around the famous castle ascent in Bensberg and in Bergisch Gladbach, there were always problematic overlaps with other events when finding dates.
Volker Weirich, head of the sports department for the city of Bergisch Gladbach and spokesperson for the "Around Cologne" working group of towns and municipalities, also welcomes the new date on the second Sunday in June. "Of course, I am very pleased that, in cooperation with the participating municipalities and the organizers, a date could be found for the second Sunday in June, starting in 2015, which is relatively independent of the weather and allows for the smooth organization and execution of the event by all involved," explains Weirich. "The elimination of competing events with other activities makes it easier for all municipalities along the route, and especially for the citizens of Bergisch Gladbach, to attend this largest annual sporting event in Bergisch Gladbach."
Following the decision of the organizing committee, Rund um Köln will take place on the following dates in the coming years: June 14, 2015; June 12, 2016; June 11, 2017; and June 10, 2018. Only in 2019 does the second Sunday in June fall on the Pentecost weekend, a time when many events are already taking place in the Bergisches Land region. "We will, of course, find a solution for 2019 in good time with all parties involved. By moving the race day to June, we are ensuring significantly better conditions for the event ," says Alexander Donike, the cycling classic's technical director. "We expect considerably warmer temperatures in June. Furthermore, we are addressing the numerous requests and wishes of our many amateur cyclists for a better date."