Eschborn-Frankfurt made its debut in 1962 under the name "Rund um den Henninger-Turm". Since 1986, the race has traditionally been held on May Day, with the exception of the past two years. Due to the coronavirus, the race was cancelled in 2020 and postponed from May to September in 2021. In professional cycling, alongside the Cyclassics in Hamburg and the Münsterland Giro, it is considered one of the most important one-day races in Germany and is part of the most important international race series, the UCI WorldTour.
Elite race Eschborn-Frankfurt
The pros start at 8 a.m. on the 185-kilometre route. After the start in Eschborn, the route leads through Frankfurt to the first finish line. On the way to the first mountain, the Feldberg at 833 metres above sea level, the riders pass through Oberursel am Taunus. Two loops are then completed. On the way via Sulzbach, Königsstein, Kronberg and Schwalbach, they cross the Ruppertshainer Stich twice and the Billtalhöhe once. The Mammolshainer Berg has to be climbed four times before the route takes in Eschborn and Frankfurt city centre. Three finish loops are completed there, offering an exciting finish before the finish line at the Opera House.
A total of 19 teams will be competing, including eleven WorldTeams and eight ProTeams. Contrary to the original plan, the German national team will not be taking part. Last year's winner Jasper Philipsen will be joined by record winner Alexander Kristoff from Norway and Biniam Girmay, the first African professional cyclist to win a WorldTour classic. John Degenkolb, who has switched from Team Lotto-Soudal to DSM, will also be at the start in Frankfurt. Thanks to his residence in Oberursel, the professional, who grew up in Middle Franconia, enjoys home advantage. The 33-year-old won the race in 2011, after which he finished third once and second three times. This was also the case last year. Shortly before the finish, he took the lead, but the Belgian Philipsen benefited from his slipstream and took the win. Degenkolb, Philipsen and Kristoff are among the favourites again this year. Pascal Ackermann is out due to a fracture to his coccyx, as his team UAE - Team Emirates announced on Twitter.
In the U23 International race, in the U19 Junior National League competition, there is a starting opportunity for young cyclists as well as licensed races for the U11 to U17 classes and an event for children. However, there is no professional race for women in Frankfurt to date.
Skoda bike tour
This race should be particularly appealing for cycling enthusiasts: Being up close to the pros and riding on closed routes through the banking district in Frankfurt. But the climbs in the Taunus should not be underestimated. The Velotour offers three routes. The Classic Tour over 100 kilometres and 1700 metres in altitude leads over the Feldberg, the Ruppertshainer and Mammolshainer Berg. The 88 kilometre long Express-route, the Feldberg and Ruppertshainer Berg must be climbed. With a length of eleven kilometres and an average gradient of 4.8 percent, the Feldberg is the longest climb. It can be a challenge, which is why it is important to manage your strength well here. An almost completely flat route is the Skyline-bike tour over 40 kilometres. It leads through Frankfurt and its urban canyons, Oberursel and the Vordertaunus. There are refreshment stops on all routes.
There is also the opportunity to take part in the Velotour Ride without timekeeping - even on a handbike or tandem. You can register online at https://www.eschborn-frankfurt.de/de/anmeldung possible until 28 April, then only last minute on site.
Information about Eschborn-Frankfurt at a glance
Date: 1 May 2022
Location: Frankfurt am Main
Distance: 185 kilometres
Edition: 61.
First race: 1962
Record winner: Alexander Kristoff (four times)
German winners: Hennes Junkermann (1963), Rudi Altig (1970), Gregor Braun (1978), Olaf Ludwig (1994), Erik Zabel (1999, 2002, 2005), Kai Hundertmarck (2000), Patrik Sinkewitz (2007), Fabian Wegmann (2009, 2010), John Degenkolb (2011), Pascal Ackermann (2019)
Result 2021:
- 1st Jasper Philipsen (BEL / Alpecin-Fenix), 4:28:03
- 2nd John Degenkolb (GER / Lotto Soudal)
- 3rd Alexander Kristoff (NOR / UAE Team Emirates)
- 4th Andrea Pasqualon (ITA / Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux)
- 5th Pascal Ackermann (GER / Bora-Hansgrohe), all same time
