Bennett spoils German party at Eschborn-Frankfurt

By Patrick Reichardt, dpa

Nils Politt was beaming like a winner, then hugged his triumphant team-mate Sam Bennett in the finish area.

The Irish top sprinter spoilt the German cycling party at the Eschborn-Frankfurt classic, but his success at least gave the German racing team Bora-hansgrohe something to cheer about.

The best German was Phil Bauhaus, who finished fourth in the bunch sprint at the Alte Oper in Frankfurt am Main. John Degenkolb was clearly beaten. "I have nothing to criticise myself for. I gave it my best shot. The course of the race wasn't such that it played extremely into my hands," said "Dege". "I still really enjoyed it, it was a nice 1st May."

Sprinters decide victory among themselves

Last year's runner-up and local hero realised that too many riders had made it onto the final lap. "In the end, I had no chance," admitted the 33-year-old Degenkolb honestly after the 183.9 tough kilometres. Instead, the stage belonged to the top sprinters Bennett, Fernando Gaviria from Colombia and Alexander Kristoff from Norway. "I had really good legs. Thanks to the team who have supported me over the last few months. It's fantastic to take this victory for a German team," said Bennett.

It was finally the first success of the season for the two-time Tour de France stage winner. "I think a whole bag of stones has fallen from his heart," said former sprinter Marcel Kittel about Bennett, who his team manager Ralph Denk had previously predicted to be the favourite and winner despite the weak spring.

"It's traditionally a cat-and-mouse game between sprinters and climbers who seek their fortune in the Taunus," Denk also predicted. This has also been the case in previous years, but the sprinters and their teams have always prevailed over the years. The familiar scenario repeated itself in 2022 - on the demanding but not too tough course. Once again, there were brave and courageous breakaway groups whose attacks were not crowned with success.

Ackermann last German winner so far

The traditional race took place on the regular date of 1 May for the first time in three years. In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic led to a cancellation and a virtual replacement event. This was followed in 2021 by a postponement to autumn due to the coronavirus, when the race was held as a dress rehearsal for the World Championships. Sprinter Pascal Ackermann, the last German winner to date in 2019, was absent this time due to a fracture to his coccyx. Other top German pros did not take part because they were already preparing for the Giro d'Italia, which starts in Budapest on 6 May.

The atmosphere was just like it used to be. Tens of thousands of fans lined the roads in the Taunus, on the climbs such as the Feldberg and above all across the metropolis on the Main, which is already used to the cycling spectacle on 1 May. Fans from Eritrea were particularly noticeable this time, loudly celebrating Ghent-Wevelgem sensation Biniam Girmay with chants, flags and drums - even before the race got underway in Eschborn at midday.

Lisa Brennauer for women's race

It is not clear whether the current classics programme in Frankfurt will continue in the future. Olympic cycling champion Lisa Brennauer expressed her wish for a race for women during the broadcast on Hessischer Rundfunk. "That would be amazing, of course. There used to be a women's race here. Maybe it's just a matter of time. I would be very, very happy to see a really big event in women's cycling in Germany again," said Brennauer.

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