Cycling: Actually, the 37th edition of the Bayern Rundfahrt should have taken place from May 24th to 29th, 2016, but a budget gap of 300.000 euros that cannot be closed now means the end for the racing bike classic - at least for the time being. For the first time in 36 years there will be no Bayern Rundfahrt! A shock for the organizers and cycling fans alike!
Yesterday the athletes of the year were chosen and celebrated in the Kurhaus in Baden-Baden. Today, after the announcement that the Bayern Rundfahrt 2016 will not be staged, cycling fans are rightly feeling a hangover. The organizers had tried to close the gaping financial gap until the end, but without success. As the organizers announced, the bitter decision was made with responsibility towards the partners, teams and stage cities that needed planning security for the coming year.
But those responsible are not completely defeated: the coming year should be used to set the course for holding the Bayern Rundfahrt 2017. Of course we keep our fingers crossed that the history of the traditional and successful stage race will be continued in the year after next.