The "Everyman" races at Rad am Ring 2025 are fully booked. However, cycling enthusiasts who still want to experience the atmosphere at the Nürburgring still have alternatives. Starting places are still available for the Gravel Race, the Time Trial and the Touring Races. The event therefore still offers the opportunity to cycle the legendary Nordschleife and the Grand Prix circuit. "Quality and safety play a major role at Rad am Ring," says the head of organisation Hanns-Martin Fraas, explaining the decision to limit the starting places for the "Jedermann" races. The organisers are happy about the great interest, but do not want to overstretch it in order to guarantee fun and safety on the course.
Rad am Ring Gravel Race
The biggest innovation in the Eifel is a gravel race at the Nürburgring. The Gravel Race on 19 July offers participants the choice between 25, 50 and 100 kilometre routes. The route leads both over and along the Nürburgring Nordschleife, without travelling on public roads. The start and finish are located in the Formula 1 Arena. The race is designed as a circuit, with one lap for beginners, two laps for more ambitious drivers and four laps for the main race. The course begins on the start-finish straight of the Grand Prix circuit and leads onto the Nordschleife after three kilometres. From the "Hatzenbach" section onwards, the route is mainly over gravel tracks. A total of 300 metres of elevation gain must be mastered per lap, with a maximum gradient of 17 percent between the "Karussell" and the "Hohe Acht".
Cycling on the Ring Touring in two variants
For those who prefer a more leisurely approach, Rad am Ring offers two variants of touring. On Saturday, 19 July, leisure cyclists and e-bike riders can explore the route, while on Sunday, 20 July, more sporty participants can ride parallel to the 24-hour race. The touring lap of the Nordschleife measures 20.8 kilometres and includes 73 bends and around 500 metres of elevation gain. Participants can drive as many laps as they like, but must have started their last lap by 11:00 a.m. on Saturday and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.
Rad am Ring time trial through the "Green Hell"
The time trial, which starts at 20:00 on Friday evening, 18 July, represents a special challenge. The time trial starts from the Expo and leads through the pit lane directly onto the Nordschleife. The more than 500 metres of elevation gain are therefore part of the challenge, which ends appropriately on the start and finish line of the Grand Prix circuit. This version of the route is 22 kilometres long. Due to the challenging route with the risk of crosswinds, disc bikes are not permitted.
The Nürburgring: legendary race track for cyclists
The Nürburgring, known for its Nordschleife opened in 1927 and the modern Grand Prix circuit, offers cyclists a unique backdrop. The combination of the historic "Green Hell" and the modern Formula 1 circuit creates a special atmosphere for the participants. The Nordschleife alone offers around 500 metres of elevation gain and 73 bends over 20.8 kilometres. Depending on the discipline, different routes are combined, resulting in different distances and challenges. Rad am Ring makes optimum use of the existing infrastructure and even guides participants through the Grand Prix paddock during the 24-hour races. This creates a cycling experience that is unique in its variety and intensity.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
