140 years after it was founded, the German Cycling Federation is getting a new name and a new brand identity. In future, athletes will take to the racetracks around the world under the name "German Cycling".
According to a press release, the 140-year-old umbrella organisation is thus "underpinning its efforts to position itself in line with the times and international standards." The new brand was presented on Saturday, 16 November 2024, as part of the traditional BDR Gala in Seeheim-Jugenheim. The most successful cyclists of the past two years were also honoured at the event, which takes place every two years.
"We will continue to consistently modernise our structures and the diverse activities in cycling. This process of change is now culminating in the externally visible reorganisation of German Cycling. It is a tribute to the historical significance of cycling in Germany and at the same time an important step into the future," explains BDR President Rudolf Scharping. "Building on the remarkable heritage and history of our organisation, which was founded in 1884, we are seizing the opportunity to create a new, contemporary and value-based identity for cycling in Germany. In a country where more than 45 million people cycle regularly, our goal is to continue to turn this enormous potential into top sporting performances in the future."
New hobby sports programmes
In future, all national cycling teams will wear the German Cycling jersey with the new logo, and various popular sporting events will also be organised with the new brand identity. "In a country that feels so comfortable on two wheels, 'German Cycling' is more than just a new name - it is a promise to make the sport attractive and accessible for future generations. In this respect, it is all the more important to continue the internally initiated transformation process successfully," says Bernd Dankowski, Deputy President of the BDR.
"The new logo is an expression of the association's modernised orientation. The acronym "GC" forms the tyres as a concise symbol of cycling. The dynamic arrow represents all the cycling sports and disciplines that make our association so diverse and unique," explains Bernd Dankowski. "This step symbolises the association's self-image of positioning itself for a successful future, both nationally and internationally. At the same time, our aim is to inspire even more people with our modern brand identity and to promote cycling as a sustainable form of mobility worth living for."
About "German Cycling"
"German Cycling" is the umbrella organisation for organised cycling in Germany. Since its foundation in 1884, the Bund Deutscher Radfahrer (BDR) has developed into the central contact point for cycling enthusiasts. Today, it has 150,000 organised members in 17 regional associations and more than 2,500 clubs.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
