This year, the German WorldTour race Eschborn-Frankfurt features a key innovation: the course has been significantly tightened up. Additional metres in altitude and, above all, the Burgweg in Niederreifenberg change the profile noticeably. This significantly reduces the chances of the classic sprinters, while riders with strong classic qualities have a clear advantage. The tactics in the race are also likely to change accordingly: less control with regard to a bunch sprint, but more scope for attacks and a more selective course of the race. This is positive news for the suspense of the classic.
The favourites for Eschborn-Frankfurt
Defending champion Michael Matthews brings plenty of experience and class with him. But at the age of 35, another triumph remains the exception rather than the rule: a victory is possible, but much less likely than a few years ago given the new course characteristics. Especially as the competition is not only younger, but also rides more explosively and is therefore noticeably better suited to the revised profile.
At the top of the list of hot candidates are Tobias Lund Andresen and Matthew Brennan. Both combine a strong finishing speed with the necessary toughness to not only survive a selective race, but to go on the offensive themselves. They could play their trump cards on the new course in particular, provided they find the right connection at the decisive moment and can stay with riders like Pello Bilbao. In a sprint out of a small group, they have the wheel in their hands.
Directly behind him, it will be particularly exciting from a German perspective: Nils Politt. The man from Cologne knows the roads, has a powerful engine and is one of the few Germans in the field who can be considered to have a realistic chance of winning. However, the key lies in the team tactics. Only if his team really backs him and organises the final for Politt will the outsider option become a real contender for victory. Rare, but anything but impossible. Politt has already impressively proven that he can compete in one-day races, but is usually found in the role of helper for his captain Tadej Pogačar.
Pello Bilbao, Ion Izagirre and Alex Aranburu are also among the favourites. However, their problem is obvious. They have to decide the race before the sprint. They hardly stand a chance against riders like Brennan or Andresen in the direct finale. Accordingly, they will be expected to attack, ideally around the decisive section at the Mammolshainer Stich. But even there, a small lead is not enough. After the last crossing, there are still around 35 kilometres to the finish, enough time for an organised chase.
There is a question mark behind Tim Wellens. The Belgian basically has the perfect profile for this race, but his form is difficult to assess. After his crash at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, he is still rebuilding and may not be at 100 per cent.
Race outcome more open than ever
Everything indicates that Eschborn-Frankfurt will be much more open and selective this year. The new course does not prevent a classic sprint, but it does open the door wider for versatile classic riders. Tobias Lund Andresen and Matthew Brennan stand out in particular, but Nils Politt could also spring a surprise in front of his home crowd.
Leon Weidner
Working student
