Race report by Dennis Biendarra / Team Green 'n Fit
After the longer mandatory break at the Nürburgring caused by the storm, it was finally possible to pedal again last weekend. With excellent weather we traveled towards Bochum, albeit with mixed feelings. The past has often shown that falls are the rule rather than the exception due to the route. Fortunately, however, this did not come true!
The organizer did his homework and always warned the lapped drivers of the approaching field so that they could be sent towards the right side with enough advance notice.
The route in Bochum is a 13-kilometre circuit that partly leads directly through the pedestrian zone. Then it's on the legendary "Königsalle" about six kilometers steadily uphill to the "Stiepel". Around 80 meters in altitude per lap, which quickly makes the heavy legs noticeable when driving briskly.
After a 180-degree turn, top speeds of up to 75 km/h are sometimes reached on the parallel lane of the Königsallee, before the last corner can be reached and the last 300 meters can be fully sprinted through.
The race itself opened with an extremely fast start and hard pace. Starting way back in the starting block, I immediately said “chain right” and into the red area.
It was very difficult to catch up with the leaders on lap two, after 15 kilometers. By this time most of my “grains” had already been used up. From now on, it was important to position oneself well in the field and to drive as resource-saving as possible towards the final.
From my experience over the last few years, this usually ends in a mass sprint, despite the demanding route. So also this year! The last 4 kilometers of the route are slightly downhill without curves, so that 150 racers head for the last curve at around 65 km/h. A high level of assertiveness and a large sip from the drinking bottle with courage are required to position yourself at the top here.
I'm not dissatisfied with my 22nd place, especially since I had to let my training slide slightly in the last few weeks. Unfortunately, my male teammates were less fortunate and were afflicted by the defect witch. Only Artur was able to reach the finish with me in the leading group and finished the race in 54th place.
Our ladies could shine more here. With 3x riders in the top 15, these have sold well!
As the next race, one of the most beautiful backdrops of the German Cycling Cup awaits our team in Dresden.
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