Cyclist Franziska Koch has impressively cemented her strong season so far by winning her third consecutive German road cycling title in the Thuringian Forest. The Paris–Roubaix winner claimed victory in the presence of cycling legend Jan Ullrich after a race of just under 107 kilometres around the small town of Bad Liebenstein. The 25-year-old had already celebrated winning the time trial title on Friday.
Koch prevailed over Liane Lippert in a thrilling final sprint. Justyna Czapla, who had ridden alone at the front for just under 65 kilometres, finished third. Her impressive solo ride was only brought to an end on the final lap.
Ullrich has a special task
Race observer Ullrich, the only German Tour de France winner, travelled to the championships to support his son. His son took part in the U17 race and finished 16th. “I was there to support my son,” Ullrich told MDR. The heat didn’t bother the former professional. “I’ve always quite liked it,” said the 52-year-old about the weather.
Despite the high temperatures, the organisers made no major changes. Only the refreshment stations were closed, meaning that water and energy gels were available at any point along the route.
Crash on the track
However, the women’s race could not start until a little later, as a junior rider had crashed during a youth race earlier. As a spokeswoman told the German Press Agency in response to an enquiry, the young man was taken to hospital but did not suffer any life-threatening injuries.
On Sunday (starting at 12.45 pm), it is the men’s turn, and they will have to cover a total of 191.1 kilometres. Last year, Georg Zimmermann from Augsburg won the race in the Palatinate.
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