German Cycling Cup: Final in Münster

The Sparkassen Münsterland Giro provided the setting for the finale of the first German Cycling Cup (GCC) season. Sunshine and thousands of cycling fans in the Münsterland formed a worthy backdrop not only for the professionals but also for the three amateur races on the Day of German Unity on 3 October.

Start of the Münsterland Giro on the sunny Day of German Unity

After nine events (Rund um Köln, Tour d' Energie, Henninger Turm, Neuseen Classics, Bayern Rundfahrt, SparkassenGiro, Rad am Ring Nürnberger Altstadt and MünsterlandGiro) in 2008, the overall winners received the bike sculptures specially made by the Strassacker art foundry from Ernst Claußmeyer, President of the Association of German Cycling Race Organisers (VDR) and from VDR Managing Director Uwe Schulz at around 3.30 pm for the first time.

While Manuela Haverkamp-Roisch could no longer be denied victory in the women's race, the men's race remained exciting right up to the last metre. Thomas Kapuste sprinted to fifth place in the 140-kilometre race and secured 2,340 points, which meant overall victory and the gold trophy. Christian Schrot won silver with 2,298 points ahead of third-placed Andreas Bolleßen (2,180 points).

In the women's event, Cosima Kurp secured the silver trophy behind gold medallist Haverkamp-Roisch (2,395 points) with 2,282 points, just ahead of Katharina Reitmaier, who took bronze with 2,262 points.

Over 3,300 starters in the three distances of 70, 110 and 140 kilometres promoted the popular sport. Judith Bauer won the short 70-kilometre distance in 1:56:04 hours ahead of Manuela Haverkamp-Roisch and Katrin Förster. Torsten Arnd won the men's race in 1:52:57 hours ahead of Andreas Wagner and Marko Gundelwein.

Nicole Markenbeck won the 110 kilometre race in 2:48:33 hours ahead of Verena Wilhelmi and Julia Tillmann and Herbert Baltrutsch in 2:47:05 hours ahead of Ingo Behrendt and Elmar Möllmann. Janina Raff was the fastest over 140 kilometres in 3:37:38 hours ahead of Beate Zschorlich and Cosima Kurp. Alexander Bauer won the men's race in 3:32:35 hours ahead of Tonjo Nakken and Christoph Verhalen.

During the award ceremony, the prizes and certificates in the age groups were also presented, as well as the prizes from the draw under the motto "Taking part is everything".

Further information, race reports and results lists: www.cycling-cup.de

(All photos and text information: Association of German Cycling Race Organisers)