TOUR: Why did you decide to join the BDR?
BurghardtIf you look at the photos, the Executive Committee needs to be rejuvenated. I also think that perhaps some views are a bit outdated. That perhaps we need to break up a few structures and make everything a bit cooler. That you have to start from the bottom again, get the kids cycling again. That's not my main focus now, because it's a grassroots sport, but I'll still try to play a supporting role so that we can get back to where we used to be when we had three professional teams. When we had fields with 200 starters at a southern German championship. If you want to drive racing forward, then you need competition in the country.
TOUR: Are you also active in the youth sector yourself?
BurghardtYes, I've been doing that for a long time: I've been trying to get involved in working with young people since 2007. But that really needs to be organised across the whole of Germany. That's not my main focus or area of responsibility, it's top-level and professional sport.
TOUR: What is your goal in professional sport?
BurghardtWhat I would definitely like to see is for German racers to have more national pride again. That they try to ride in the German races and at least at world championships and the Olympics. We saw it last year in Australia: it was very difficult to nominate a team because the riders weren't motivated or the team bosses didn't release the riders. You also need the support of the UCI: in my opinion, the UCI needs to award more points at the World Championships, including for the lower places. So that there is still motivation to ride a World Championship. I don't remember this from the past, from my time: there was no such thing as team bosses not releasing the riders. Back then, every team was actually happy if they had drivers at the start.
TOUR: During your active time, did you wish that the BDR would stand behind you more?
Burghardt: Not really. Where we have raced, the federation has already made sure that everything works. That's also my main focus: if the pros are given time off or take time off for the races, then it has to be ensured that everything works.
TOUR: What is your specific task at the European Championships or World Championships?
Burghardt: Nominate the team. There are four of us and we have to be in agreement. I was at the 2022 German Championships and took part in the European Championships. I nominated the team together with the national coach and the sports director. That was my last assignment.
TOUR: You have also stated that women would be important in the presidency ...
BurghardtIt's not that women are being blocked, but it's also difficult for a woman to take on such an honorary position and that's where you have to start. You have to organise it a little differently so that it is also possible for a woman with two children to be involved in such a position. It's difficult when you're in Frankfurt am Main and travelling three or four hours. You might have to do more digitally. I am firmly convinced that it would be good for the association.
TOUR: You have had your own cycle marathon since 2022 (Shades of Speed). How do the registrations work?
BurghardtWe have over 1000 registrations, so we are satisfied. We still have a bit of a problem with permits because we are in the summer this year. When you do something like this, you have to listen to feedback and that's what we did. There were a few points that were also justified. It should be an event that is all about enjoyment and cycling. We have a lot of refreshment points compared to other events. You don't always have to rush, you can treat yourself and enjoy yourself.
Marcus Burghardt - About the person
- Date of birth: 30.06.1983
- Place of birthZschopau
- Nationality: Germany
- Place of residenceSamerberg, Germany
TeamsWiesenhof (U23) , T-Mobile, Team Highroad , Team Columbia , Team Columbia HTC , BMC Racing Team , Bora-Hansgrohe
Successes: Victory at Gent-Welvegem 2007, 18th stage Tour de France 2008, two stage victories Tour de Suisse 2010, German professional champion 2017
Kristian Bauer
Editor
