The term "traffic light sprint" is commonly used to describe a behaviour that makes (over)motorised road users stand out in traffic - usually in an unpleasant way. With roaring engines and screeching tyres, they try to take a few metres off the person next to them (usually only men) - until the next traffic light. The premiere of the traffic light sprint - or traffic light criterium - in Frankfurt am Main, however, offered real sport in a new and entertaining format: the participants competed in exciting races on a 1.2 kilometre circuit that led across the closed Mainkai. The special feature of the format: traffic light phases determined the rhythm of the race. Anyone who did not cross the finish line before the lights turned red was eliminated. The green phase became shorter with each lap, which continuously increased the tension. The course also included two tight hairpin bends.
High-calibre field of participants
The field of participants was impressive. They included Simon Geschke, stage winner of the 2015 Tour de France, BMX legend Bruno Hoffmann and Konrad Abeltshauser, Olympic silver medallist in ice hockey. Ben Zwiehoff from Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe was on hand to congratulate the winners. Spectators lined the route in summer temperatures of over 30 degrees and cheered on the riders at every heat and traffic light change.
Tactics and timing decide
After almost six hours of race action in knockout mode, the riders who not only had strong legs but also a perfect feel for the traffic light phases and strong nerves came out on top in the end. Andreas Mayr from RSC Kempten won the men's race, followed by Nils Radmacher (RV Dudenhofen) and Elias Hartmann (RSC Kempten). Pia Kummer (RSC Kempten) won the women's race ahead of Hannah Charlotte Frickenhelm (RSV Seeheim 1971) and Carmen Burmeister (1. FSV Köln).
Winners can look forward to exclusive prizes
The winners can look forward to a special reward. They won a three-day trip to Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe in France. Andreas Mayr, the winner of the men's race, was delighted with the event: "It's really cool what they've organised here! Atmosphere, organisation, riders' area - everything was great. Short, intense, all out - I'll definitely be back next time!"
Positive response
The other participants were also positive about the new format. Simon Geschke praised: "The idea with the traffic lights is really cool. The race is short, action-packed and intense - perfect for spectators!" Ben Zwiehoff added: "You ride against the traffic lights - that brings in a very special dynamic. A very exciting format!" Konrad Abeltshauser, who as a professional ice hockey player was rather unfamiliar with the sport, also enjoyed the event: "I started carefully, then the group was gone - but I really had fun. 15 to 20 minutes at full throttle, that's doable for many."
Kick-off to the Eurobike Festival week
The Ampelkriterium organised by Red Bull was the prelude to the Eurobike Festival week, which will put Frankfurt in the spotlight of the international cycling and mobility world from 25-29 June.
