DM Cross: "Retired" Marcel Meisen defends his title

It was an exciting race for the spectators on the track in Bensheim in southern Hesse. Up until the last of eight laps, three riders battled it out in the mud for the German cyclocross championship title. In the end, the former champion pulled away with an energetic charge over a bridge: Marcel Meisen not only defended his narrow lead over Fabian Eder, but also the title he won last year. Third place went to Hannes Degenkolb, who had repeatedly taken the lead during the race but lost touch in the final lap.

A novelty: The Cross-DM on live TV

Three days after his 37th birthday, it was Meisen's tenth championship title in the elite category of cyclo-cross. The former professional, who also celebrated the DM title on the road in 2020, ended his active career in spring 2025. More or less, anyway. Although he had recently become state champion in North Rhine-Westphalia, he had hardly competed in any races. "I wanted to see how well I could still do," he said on Hessischer Rundfunk radio. The 2026 edition was a novelty for the veteran. "It was the first time since I started cycling that the German Championships had been broadcast live on television," emphasised Meisen.

The former competitor still covered 16,000 kilometres in training, revealed former U23 world champion Philipp Walsleben as co-commentator in the live broadcast on Hessischer Rundfunk. "I've still trained quite well all year," admitted Meisen.

>> Jan Ullrich at the DM Cross in Bensheim

>> Preview of the DM in Bensheim

>> Marcel Meisen's favourite songs

Judith Krahl wins the women's competition

Judith Krahl achieved a start-to-finish victory in the women's race. The 2023 champion set a fast pace right from the start, and even a defect around halfway through the race did not throw her off her stride. In the end, she crossed the finish line 1:24 minutes ahead of Sina van Thiel (RSC Kempten). "After the course was a bit soggy today, I found it perfect for me," said the German champion.

Jule Märkl (Canyon-Sram-Zondacrypto) and Eike Behrens (Stevens) won the U23 class. In the juniors, Klara Dworatzek (SSV Gera) defended her title in the final sprint against Amandine Jakob (Stevens). Niclas Look (Syntace CX) won the junior category. Jan Ullrich was also present as a spectator on both days. Two of his sons competed in the junior classes at the DM (see separate message).

All results of the 2026 Cross-DM are available here Link.