16 WorldTour teams and five ProTeams make up the starting field for the German UCI WorldTour classic. The composition of the field shows a clear shift: the line-up is dominated by riders who are strong in the classics, while the number of pure sprinters is declining. This development reflects the changes that the race has undergone in recent years.
Eschborn-Frankfurt Favourites
At the start are Nils Politt and Brandon McNulty (both UAE Team Emirates - XRG), Søren Kragh Andersen (Lidl-Trek), Julian Alaphilippe and Marc Hirschi (both Tudor Pro Cycling Team), Pello Bilbao (Team Bahrain Victorious), Max Schachmann (Soudal Quick-Step) and Magnus Cort Nielsen (Uno-X Mobility), last year's runner-up, several riders who find their strengths on difficult terrain. These athletes are exactly the type of riders who benefit from the more demanding course profile. The 2023 Eschborn-Frankfurt winner, Kragh Andersen, has already proven that he can succeed in this cycling classic. As an expert for tough classics with decisions from manageable groups, the Dane should be favoured by the more selective route.
On the other hand, John Degenkolb (Team Picnic PostNL), Pascal Ackermann (Team Jayco AlUla) and Matthew Brennan (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) are strong sprinters in the Eschborn-Frankfurt field, whose chances of success will be significantly influenced by how selective the race is through the Taunus. Alex Aranburu (Cofidis), who recently won a stage of the Tour of the Basque Country, and Jon Barrenetxea (Movistar Team), who finished third last year, will also be joining the field.
Tougher route profile
The 211.4 kilometre route from Eschborn-Frankfurt leads over more than 3300 metres in altitude. The newly integrated Burgweg in Schmitten-Niederreifenberg presents an additional challenge. The two Feldberg ascents run along the more selective south-west side. The modified Taunus passage ends with the crossing of the Mammolshainer Stich, which is likely to play a greater role in the final race decision than in previous years.
Fabian Wegmann, sporting director and two-time winner, explains the effects: The classic bike race was already tough, but now the course is even more demanding. The composition of the teams shows fewer sprinters and more classic riders with a strong mountaineering background. The changes speak in favour of an early selective race with a decision from a smaller group.
German drivers at Eschborn-Frankfurt
Lennard Kämna will start for Lidl-Trek, Felix Engelhardt for Team Jayco AlUla and Georg Zimmermann for Lotto Intermarché. The peloton combines top international class with a strong German presence. Degenkolb is faced with the question of whether an experienced classics rider without strong climbing skills can hold his own on this profile.
Wildcards and race scenarios
Unibet Rose Rockets and TotalEnergies received the last wildcards. The ProTeams increase the number of possible race scenarios. Team depth, timing and climbing strength in the Taunus will be decisive for the finish in front of the Alte Oper in Frankfurt. The race remains a fixture on the international spring calendar.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
