Berlin, Berlin, we're going to Berlin - not for the cup final, but for the second largest amateur race in Germany, the "Garmin Velothon", which took place in the German capital last Sunday in bright sunshine.
After my teammates Christoph, Thomas and Daniel had made the long journey from North Rhine-Westphalia, we first went to the big trade fair to visit a few sponsors (e.g. MULTIPOWER) in addition to the start number distribution. After that, everyone spent the afternoon individually and in the evening, of course, we went back to the Italian and the ice cream for dessert was also a must, because “ice cream always works!”. After the transponders were attached to the bike and the number to the jersey according to the regulations, we watched the DFB Cup final and went to bed.
After breakfast we headed towards the start area on the already closed race track. Here we already realized that, surprisingly, there will be strong headwinds even in the city center for the last few kilometers, a bit unusual, but not to be changed. Because if you want to win a race, you have to be able to deal with the prevailing conditions.
Punctually at 9:15 a.m. the starting signal was given and we quickly reeled off the first kilometers of the 120 km long circuit through the city centre. Above all, one thing was important: drive at the front and don't let anyone out. Ultimately, Denny Schewe from OSC Potsdam managed to get away on his own and, amazingly, nobody in the field really made any move to at least speed up so that he didn't get too far away.
His flight ended after a good 50km when, after I had increased the speed, a 10-man group was able to break away from the field. Luckily for me and ultimately also for my peace of mind, Christoph also made the leap into the group. After Christoph and I had sounded out the situation in the group, it was clear to us: if we were to get through, victory would only go to us and now it was time to put our heads down, kick and spin like crazy.
Unfortunately, the strong wind didn't make it any easier either, but in the end we were able to drive out onto the field for a good two minutes when we reached the border from Berlin. It was slowly getting serious and the first signs of fatigue were spreading in the leading group. In the end I was able to take advantage of a moment of inattention on the part of my fellow riders and break away from the group about 8km from the finish.
After that it was just a matter of "save what you can", in the hope that that's a little more than what my pursuers still have and luckily it happened and I was able to save myself with a lead of almost 30 seconds to the finish. The last 300 meters were amazing thanks to the great atmosphere in the finish area and after last year's rainy ride I was able to successfully defend my title. Enrico Busch (Von Hacht Masters Team) and Thomas Kapuste (OSC Potsdam) followed in second and third place.
Christoph sprinted to a strong sixth place. Unfortunately, Daniel was involved in two falls and together with Thomas reached the finish in the field of pursuers. However, behind this success there is also a lot of work and support from our partners and sponsors (especially Merkur Druck GmbH) as well as our trainer Enrico Poitschke and above all the support of my teammates in the race. Thanks for that!
Next Sunday we continue with the GCC in Schleiz. Until then!
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