Home World Championships as Olympic dress rehearsal - track foursome aims for record
Unbekannt
· 24.02.2020
At the Track Cycling World Championships from Wednesday to Sunday in Berlin, the German team will go into the competitions with some medal hopes. Roger Kluge and Theo Reinhardt have the best chance of winning their third World Championships in a row in the Madison.
The German track cycling foursome is aiming for a German record and its first World Championship medal since 2002. "But the big goal remains the Olympics," says national coach Sven Meyer. The home World Championships should provide the necessary tailwind, just like for the German sprinters, who have already been able to close the gap a little after the departure of the successful duo Vogel/Miriam Welte.
In which disciplines does the German team have the best chance of winning a medal?
Roger Kluge and Theo Reinhardt are among the biggest title contenders in the Madison. The duo had already won the world title in 2018 and 2019 and could make history with another success. Despite their young age, German sprinters Emma Hinze (22) and Lea Sophie Friedrich (20) have also delivered strong performances in the World Cups. In the endurance events, the German foursome - both men's and women's - are now among the medal candidates. Both teams set German records this winter.
Which disciplines are currently causing concern at the BDR?
In the team sprint - a German domain for many years - the team of national coach Detlef Uibel is currently not among the world's best. Although Maximilian Levy and Stefan Bötticher have shown strong performances this season, a strong lead-out rider has been missing. For the German team sprinters, it is therefore primarily a question of securing qualification for the Olympics.
How important is the World Cup?
The German team naturally wants to put in a strong performance at a home World Cup. Nevertheless, the Olympic Games are the top priority, as national coaches Uibel and Meyer emphasise. "It's dangerous to get the euphoria so high that you then don't manage to improve for the Olympics," says Uibel, referring to 2016, when there was no medal at the Olympics after a strong World Championships, especially for the men. Head of the foursome Sven Meyer also hinted that the team is saving some things for Tokyo, especially in terms of equipment.
What is Kristina Vogel doing during the World Championships?
The record-breaking world champion, who is paralysed following her serious accident, will of course not be missing. Vogel is an ambassador for the World Championships and an expert for ZDF and the UCI's in-house channel. She will also be on hand to offer advice and support. Sprinter Friedrich in particular gets tips from Vogel.
Where do you drive?
A new track was built in the velodrome on Landsberger Allee a few years ago. After the 2017 European Championships, the 2018 World Cup and the 2019 German Championships, the World Championships are now being held in Berlin for the first time since 1999. The city subsidised the World Championships with two million euros. Interior Senator Andreas Geisel speaks of "good business" in economic terms.
Will there be more spectators this time than at the European Championships or the World Cup?
Yes, ticket sales have skyrocketed in the weeks leading up to the World Cup. From Friday to Sunday, the hall is expected to be almost sold out with around 4000 spectators. On Wednesday and Thursday, 2500 visitors are expected.
Are there any restrictions due to the coronavirus?
Not so far. The organisers are in contact with the Robert Koch Institute, the UCI and the local doctor. According to organising committee head Burckhard Bremer, there are "no extreme guidelines". The Chinese team was also not affected; the team has been training in Switzerland for the last three weeks.
How can the World Cup be seen on TV?
The title fights can be seen live on Eurosport2's pay-TV programme. ZDF will also be broadcasting a live stream on the final day. The UCI will also be reporting on the World Championships via its own in-house channel.
