New starting location: Sparkassen Münsterland Giro starts in Borken in 2026

Münsterland Giro in Westmünsterland

The Sparkassen Münsterland Giro is sticking to its tried-and-tested programme for its anniversary edition. Concept Every year a new route, every year new insights into the Münsterland region and every year a new host town. Rainer Bergmann, overall director of the race, emphasises the importance of the event: "With the start of the Sparkassen Münsterland Giro, Borken is expecting the sporting superlative in Westmünsterland. The elite of international cycling will be competing here on 3 October." The team buses familiar from the Tour de France will stop at various locations in the town. All riders will be introduced in an extensive supporting programme before they start on the market square.

Borken's mayor Mechtild Schulze Hessing sees the event as an ideal opportunity to showcase the city: "2026 will be a very special year for us - 800 years of Borken and the Giro not only right on our doorstep, but also as the grand finale to our anniversary. We are looking forward to showing the world how lively and active our sports town of Borken is."

Münsterland Giro anniversary

The District Administrator of the Borken district, Dr Kai Zwicker, emphasises the unifying effect of the race: "The Sparkassen Münsterland Giro connects the people and regions of the Münsterland - that is precisely what makes it so appealing." For the district, it is an honour to once again be part of this cycling festival and to offer the professionals a challenging yet scenic route. It is particularly pleasing that the Westmünsterland district of Borken will be hosting the Giro anniversary of all things.

As the title sponsor, Sparkasse Westmünsterland is also looking forward to the anniversary event. Norbert Hypki, CEO of Sparkasse Westmünsterland, sees the race as a win-win situation for everyone involved: "The Sparkassen Münsterland Giro is a sporting event where everyone wins: Fans see top athletes with top performances, 7500 people in popular sports can feel like professionals, the region is positively publicised far beyond its borders." The community among athletes and helpers connects and creates cohesion.

Double anniversary in Borken

Jürgen Büngeler, Deputy CEO of Sparkasse Westmünsterland, emphasises the fitting connection between the two anniversaries: "With Borken, our anniversary starts in exactly the right place - where two birthdays fit together perfectly. The Sparkassen Münsterland Giro can't quite keep up with the 800 Borken anniversary years - but we are also proud of our 20 years." The connection between the Giro and Borken is simply perfect.

The anniversary race on 3 October 2026 promises to be a special celebration. In addition to the top professionals, thousands of amateur cyclists will once again take part in the LeezenCups and hundreds of children will take part in the LeezenKids races. Over the years, the Sparkassen Münsterland Giro has established itself as the region's sporting flagship and carries the enthusiasm for Leezen from the Münsterland to the whole world.