The start location of the race is also new and will change every year in the region. This time, Böblingen, south-west of Stuttgart, will be the starting point for what has rapidly become the most important one-day classic for women in Germany. It will be 118 kilometres long.
The terrain is quite undulating and is characterised by a climb from the Aichtal valley to Filderstadt. However, the three final laps through Stuttgart city centre are likely to be decisive. Each of them is 9.2 kilometres long. The Hasenbergsteige in particular, which is up to twelve per cent steep, will presumably decide the victory and the placings. Of the 120 riders spread across 20 teams, exactly half belong to the Women's World Tour. Also at the start: a German national team and a team from the region.
"The course is designed in such a way that an offensive and attractive race is possible, but the outcome is open until the end with this world-class field of starters," said sporting director Lisa Brennauer at the presentation of the course. "Overall, it is a challenging course with some highlights and a final lap that invites attacks and will deliver a great race for spectators at the track and on TV," said Brennauer.
Pretzel race for amateur athletes in the footsteps of the pros
In addition to the professional race, amateur athletes will also get their chance to take to the big stage on 15 September. At the Pretzel Race, around 3,000 amateur cyclists will compete for the honour on the two routes over 60 or 110 kilometres.
