Rad am Ring set a new record for participants in 2025. A total of almost 11,948 cycling enthusiasts took part in the event at the Nürburgring. As in previous years, the centrepiece was the 24-hour race, for which 6,300 endurance enthusiasts registered - also a new record. In addition to this, the amateur races, a new gravel race as well as junior competitions and tours attracted numerous participants to the Eifel. The cyclists enjoyed perfect temperatures without a downpour and a great atmosphere.
Rad am Ring with gravel premiere
The 2025 Rad am Ring programme offered something for everyone. The event kicked off on Friday evening with the traditional time trial over 22 kilometres and around 500 metres in altitude. This was followed on Saturday by the touring races, in which around 1,750 participants took to the course in a relaxed manner and without being timed. The amateur races over 25, 75 and 150 kilometres and, for the first time, the Gravel Races over 25, 50 and 100 kilometres. The latter enjoyed great popularity with over 500 starters. Some participants criticised the fact that it was not clear where the finisher medals were awarded after crossing the finish line. The fastest 24-hour rider covered 15,680 metres in altitude over 728 kilometres.
Rad am Ring: 24-hour race as the highlight
As in previous years, the 24-hour races formed the centrepiece of Rad am Ring. 6,300 endurance athletes took up the challenge of riding around the Nürburgring for a day and a night - either as individual starters or in teams of 2, 4 or 8. The mass start on Saturday, the nightly round of lights and the finish line on Sunday provided emotional moments for athletes and spectators alike. Rick Steffen (GER) from the ROSE Racing Team collected the most laps in the individual road bike category with 28 - repeating his victory from last year. Sascha Hubbert (GER) from the Edelhelfer Racing Team and Niklas Wellmann (GER) from MOFA Münster each completed 26 laps. Thomas Wiedemann (GER) from pester pac automation, Alexander Koch (GER) from TV Attendort and Stefan Wauters (BEL) from Grandfondoteam.be each completed 24 laps. The women's winner is also a well-known rider: Yvonne Margraf (GER) took first place, as she did in 2024, this time with 24 laps. She was followed by Nora Battermann (GER) with 20 laps and Morena Nogherotto (GER) completed the women's podium with 18 laps. Considering that one lap covers 26 kilometres and 560 metres of elevation gain, all of these performances are admirable.
Rad am Ring: Team rankings
In the 2-man teams, #PNCHRS! (BEL) rounded the ring 30 times, the most. They were followed by three duos with 29 laps each: Wildrad & Co (GER), pester pac automation (GER) and Örebrocyklisterna (SWE). Hofmann Radteam 1 (GER) crossed the finish line with 28 laps. The Paul Lange Cycling Crew Girls (GER) rode 24 laps, just like the Altfrid Fighter 1 (GER), but were a tad faster, making them the winners of the women's 2-man teams. They were followed by Örebrocyklisterna (SWE) and Die Prallen Schläuche 4 with 22 laps each and Raketen-MT-Melsungen/RSC-Werne through the finishing arch.
There are also repeat offenders in the 4-man team classification: Team Strassacker (ITA) finished first with 34 laps; Strassacker was also in the lead last year. Ahrbike-Willerscheid (GER) finished the race with one lap less. Ledschends (RSA) and RTS-Electronic (GER) each cycled 32 laps. Piscina Ciclistas (ITA) crossed the finish line half a minute ahead of Girls on the fast track (GER) in the women's race - both teams of four completed 27 laps. They were followed by the pusher gang - Le Frecce (GER) and Thömus | WindowMaster by Wyss Training Ladies (UIS) with 26 laps each. AthletesLab Team 3 (GER), Zappes Radler x Friends II (GER), Fahrrad XXL (GER) and 3200 Watt (NED) circled the Nürburgring 25 times.
"The more, the better" applies to the 8-rider teams, both in terms of the number of riders and the number of laps. As in 2024, the Ledschends - RH77/BMC/Oakley/Factory Team (AUT) led the way with 34 laps. Ledschends Plattos (GER) and Ahrbike - Willerscheid Team 2 finished the 24-hour race with 32 laps each. AVIA I (GER) and Fahrrad XXL (GER) finished with 31 laps each.
National Cycling League as the crowning finale
The cycling weekend concluded on Sunday with a race in the national cycling league. The pros showed off their skills once again over a distance of almost 110 kilometres and 2,600 metres of elevation gain, providing an atmospheric finale to the event. "Once again, all the cogs worked very well together. Team, helpers, service providers, partners - everyone has contributed to making Rad am Ring what it is," enthused event boss Hanns-Martin Fraas in conclusion.
