Around Cologne 2027: The hunt for starting places in amateur races begins

The traditional cycling classic in May will return in its familiar format in 2027. Alongside the professional race, the programme will once again feature the two amateur races. The organisers are expecting high demand, following the early sell-out of the 108th edition.

Two distances at Rund um Köln

The Velodom 60 covers 65.8 kilometres and 490 metres of elevation gain through Cologne and the Bergisches Land. The start and finish are at the Rheinauhafen. The route features long straights, short climbs and the cobbled section leading to Bensberg Castle. There are 4,500 starting places available for this distance.

The Velodom 120 follows the professional route over 121 kilometres and 1,170 metres of elevation gain. The route takes riders through the Bergisches Land, featuring challenging climbs and the legendary cobbled section. Here too, the start and finish are at the Rheinauhafen. There are 5,000 starting places available for the longer distance.

Prices and booking for the Velodom

The entry fee for the Velodom 60 starts at 100 euros, and for the Velodom 120 at 125 euros. Prices increase in stages depending on the number of registered participants. Anyone interested should register as soon as possible, as both races may sell out due to the limited number of places available.

History of the Cologne Area

​With its origins dating back to 1908, “Rund um Köln” looks back on a proud history and is regarded as the oldest surviving one-day race in Germany. What once began as a race exclusively for professionals has, over time, been expanded to include a recreational race for all sports enthusiasts – today’s Velodom. This move towards grassroots sport proved to be a resounding success: the event now regularly attracts around 10,000 participants, making it one of Germany’s most popular cycling events.

The races start and finish at Cologne’s Rheinauhafen, where thousands of spectators create a lively atmosphere. From there, the route leads out of the flat Rhine valley and straight into the hilly Bergisches Land. Tough climbs, such as the dreaded ascent up the Agathaberg with gradients of up to 27 per cent, push the riders to their absolute limits. The absolute highlight, however, is the legendary cobbled section leading up to Bensberg Castle – an energy-sapping centrepiece of the race that remains etched in the memory of everyone who has conquered it. Thanks to the new start arrangements, the situation on the route has also eased, following previous instances of congestion at Bensberg Castle.