It's that time again on Sunday, Around Cologne will be held for the 108th time. It is a race steeped in tradition with a field that is worthy of the name. Despite being categorised as a UCI Europe Tour, absolute top riders start here. In the vast majority of cases, as in previous years, Rund um Köln ends in the sprint of the decimated field. But breakaways have also managed to win the one-day race. Most recently it was Nils Politt, who escaped the peloton in 2022 and rode solo across the finish line in the Rheinauhafen harbour. He will be back again in 2026, but will face stiff competition.
These are the favourites for Rund um Köln 2026
Last year's winner Matthew Brennan is not in Cologne this year. Nils Politt, however, could repeat his triumph from 2022. This time, he is not racing for his actual team, which is not at the start of the race, but for the German national team. With many young talents, he could also take on a helper role. However, if he rides for them, he can definitely win from a group without the fast sprinters.
In such a case, however, he will have competition from a very strong Red Bull - Bora - hansgrohe. With Laurence Pithie and Tim van Dijke, they have two classics specialists who can hold their own in a pre-selected sprint. The German racing team also has a real sprint option. Jordi Meeus is a rider who is strong on the climbs and yet very fast, who normally wins against pure classics specialists. If he gets over the climbs unscathed, he is the top favourite to win.
Marco Haller in particular could jeopardise Meeus' sprint victory. The experienced Austrian also has the necessary toughness for the metres in altitude, which is why he should not be underestimated despite his 35 years. In a direct comparison, however, he will have a hard time competing for victory.
Fred Wright and Rory Townsend are also not to be underestimated. Neither of them are part of a WorldTour team, but they can ride really well in the classics. German races seem to suit Townsend, last year he surprisingly won the Hamburg Cyclassics. At Rund um Köln, however, they are only in the second row of favourites behind Meeus, Pithie and Politt.
Leon Weidner
Working student
