Professional cyclist Nils Politt has claimed the German time trial title for the third time in his career in the Thuringian Forest. At the opening stage of the championships, the 32-year-old secured a narrow victory over 41 kilometres in sweltering temperatures around the village of Streudorf. Maximilian Walscheid, who finished second, was just one second slower than Politt, whilst Jasha Sütterlin, who came third, was just two seconds behind.
The team-mate of cycling star Tadej Pogacar had already won the time trial title in 2023 and 2024. Last year, Maximilian Schachmann took the title; this year, he finished fourth, 13 seconds behind. Rising star Florian Lipowitz, who is set to compete in the Tour de France next week, will not be taking part in the championships.
No weather-related cancellations at the German Championships
Unlike other major sporting events, there was no talk of cancelling the championships due to the weather. Temperatures were already just over 31 degrees on Friday morning during the individual time trial.
However, the organisers have changed the rule regarding refreshment stations: normally, water and energy gels may only be handed out in specific areas. At the German Championships, however, this is permitted anywhere along the course due to the heat, a spokeswoman told the German Press Agency in response to an enquiry.
Both road races this weekend
On Saturday, the women, led by Paris-Roubaix winner and defending champion Franziska Koch, will compete for the women’s road title on a 136.5-kilometre circuit near Bad Liebenstein.
A day later, it is the men’s turn, and they must complete the circuit seven times. The route covers a total of 191.1 kilometres. Last year, Georg Zimmermann from Augsburg won the race in the Palatinate.
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