The event is almost fully booked. Alongside numerous regulars, there is a high-profile debut. Magdalena Neuner, Germany’s most successful biathlete, will be taking part for the first time. The 39-year-old has been voted Sportswoman of the Year three times. She received the award in 2007, 2011 and 2012. However, she will not be competing in the race but will take part in the tour without being timed.
Charity Bike Cup Route
The circuit runs from Heimerdingen via Hemmingen and Hochdorf to Eberdingen and back. One lap measures 19.1 km. Both events take place on roads that are completely closed to traffic. In the Lila Race, participants complete four laps, totalling 76 km. The Lila Tour offers up to three laps. On this day, the roads belong exclusively to cyclists.
Olympic and World Champion
Richy Müller has been playing Chief Inspector Thorsten Lannert in the Stuttgart-based ‘Tatort’ series for almost 20 years. The actor is a regular guest at the event. Guido Buchwald won the Football World Cup with Germany in 1990. In the final against Argentina, the Stuttgart-born Diego Maradona was neutralised. Germany won 1–0.
Frank Stäbler was born in Böblingen. The wrestler won the World Championships three times and the European Championships twice. He won a bronze medal at the Olympics. Whilst pursuing his sporting career, he completed two vocational training courses and worked full-time for periods. Today, he works as a keynote speaker and personal trainer.
Cycling legends set to compete in the Charity Bike Cup
Olaf Ludwig will be competing in the Lila Race. The 66-year-old tore his Achilles tendon over the winter. A month ago, he made his comeback on the bike. Ludwig won Olympic gold, triumphed in the Peace Race and wore the Green Jersey in the Tour de France. He says that on 3 October, his main priority will be to have fun whilst doing a good cause.
Jens Fiedler is the most successful German track cyclist at the Olympic Games. He won the gold medal in 1992, 1996 and 2004. He has secured twelve podium finishes at World Championships. He’ll be taking a more relaxed approach to the Lila Tour. He says that on this day, it’s not about being the fastest, but about helping children in need.
Olympic champions at the Charity Bike Cup
Dajana Eitberger won gold in luge at this year’s Olympic Games. She is making her debut in Ditzingen-Heimerdingen. The Lila Tour requires her to adapt. It’s not about being the fastest, but about enjoying a relaxed lunch and helping children.
Miriam Welte has won one Olympic gold medal, six World Championships and four European Championships. The track cyclist has won 21 German championship titles. She is a regular at the event and is taking part in the Lila Tour.
Interview with Magdalena Neuner
Gina-Maria Wiemers conducted an interview with the former biathlete on behalf of the organiser. We are publishing excerpts from the interview:
This is your first time taking part in the LILA LOGISTIK Charity Bike Cup this year. How did that come about?
Magdalena Neuner: My former biathlon colleague Simone Hauswald rang me and told me about the event. She said it’s always very friendly and welcoming there – and, of course, it’s for a good cause. She asked me if I’d like to take part sometime. So I agreed straight away.
Do you cycle more often in your spare time?
Yes, I do. But I actually ride a mountain bike almost exclusively. We live in a very mountainous area, and the roads are incredibly busy. That’s why I prefer to ride off the beaten track. I actually had to get myself a road bike again for 3 October. (Laughs.)
How long has it been since you last rode a road bike?
I used to cycle many thousands of kilometres a year. But I haven’t been on a road bike for about 15 years now. I do, however, cycle a lot on a mountain bike, including with the children.
15 years? In that case, the LILA LOGISTIK Charity Bike Cup is almost like a mini comeback to road cycling. Will you actually be able to ride along at a leisurely pace, or will your former competitive athlete side eventually come to the fore?
I’m really glad we’re doing the tour and not the race. (The tour is ridden without timing; the race is competitive in nature – Ed.) I don’t feel fit enough for the race at the moment, and I reckon my competitive streak would get the better of me again. After all, you want to do well and not be left trailing far behind.
So there’s still a bit of ambition left, after all.
A bit, actually. (Laughs.) But I’m really happy with the tour. I reckon we’ll just ride at a nice, leisurely pace. It’s not about winning, but about having a lovely day – and doing some good.
You ended your career very early, at the age of 25. Looking back now, was that the right time?
Absolutely. My gut feeling and my head both told me at the time that it was the right decision. From the outside, many people thought it was the wrong move. But it’s not about what others think. For me, following my own instincts was also a success. I’m very grateful that I was able to decide for myself to call it a day whilst I was still enjoying the sport.
Which sport do you enjoy most today?
I’ve actually become quite the all-round sportswoman. On holiday, for example, we played tennis and table tennis, went climbing, played football, jumped on the trampoline and went horse-riding. We actually bought a horse for the children – but now I’m taking riding lessons myself. (Laughs.) I find that a certain sense of ambition is coming back and I want to improve. There really is an athlete in me.
Kristian Bauer
Editor