The most important terms and tips for cycling events
Cycling marathon
In Germany, this is understood to mean a cycle ride of at least 200 kilometres without timekeeping on public transport. In most other countries, a cycling marathon or gran fondo is a timed cycling race. The roads are rarely fully closed - but there is usually a partial closure and protection with marshals or support motorbikes.
RTF
The German cycle tour is shorter than a cycle marathon. It is an event without timekeeping, in which signposted routes are cycled. Typical popular sporting event on public transport.
Everyman race
In Germany, the term "Jedermann-Rennen" refers to races with timekeeping and course closures. The biggest cyclosportive races in Germany are the Cyclassics Hamburg, VeloCity Berlin and Münsterland Giro. The German Cycling Cup (GCC) is an amateur race series with an annual ranking.
Licence race
Anyone wishing to obtain a racing licence must be a member of a cycling club that is affiliated to the German Cycling Federation. The racing licence is issued by the national association. As of 2022, there is a subdivision of licence classes according to age and performance. In the adult men's category, the categorisation has been simplified into elite and elite amateur. Athletes in the elite, U23 and masters categories are assigned according to a ranking list based on the results achieved on four key dates of the season. Only riders from "UCI sports groups" (World Teams, Pro Teams, Continental Teams) are ranked above these two classes. Often all classes start in the same race and only the classification is done separately. Younger riders start in the youth classes U11, U13, U15, U19 and older riders (39 plus) can start in the senior or amateur classes. For women, there are only the youth classes, women's elite and women's masters.
If you do not have an annual licence, you can buy a day licence and race in the lowest amateur classes, but you cannot take part in national championships.
Starter bag
At the big everyman races, there is a start bag at the start number collection point which usually contains free samples, advertising, the transponder for time recording and the start number stickers. Among other things, the number is important in order to be able to find your participant photos with professional photo service providers.
Starting position
Basic rule: the earlier you register, the cheaper the starting place. You can take part in smaller Alpine marathons for as little as 25 euros, while everyman races offer starting places from 40 euros. Popular races are significantly more expensive: the Ötztal Cycle Marathon costs 169 euros (as of 2023) and is always overbooked. This is why there is a lottery for starting places at this and other top events.
Age groups
Many races have age group rankings. Even in 100th place, you can still finish on the podium in the right age group.
insurance
Not every personal liability insurance policy covers participation in cycle races. Check the conditions! In most cases, a change does not cost any more money - but covers an important risk. If you are a member of a BDR club, you can take out pedalling insurance for private cycling trips. This is a combination of accident, liability and legal expenses insurance. For club activities - e.g. taking part in races - you are usually insured through membership of a BDR club.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
