Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Sunny weather forecast for Flanders!
The Ronde van Vlaanderen is a traditional early season event for many cyclo riders and one expects again over 15 000 people on the various courses next Saturday. Because of the treacherous course with the cobblestone sectors, the weather is an important factor for this cyclotour. At present, the conditions are promised to be excellent, comparable with 2005! To check the latest forecast, see the website of the KMI in Belgium.
CHIBA Alpencup
An increasingly popular trio of events is the CHIBA Alpencup, which includes the Amade Radmarathon (Radstadt, Austria), the Berchtesgadener Land Radmarathon (Bad Reichenhall) and the Engadin Radmarathon (Zernez, Switzerland). The official dates have been announced and a few regular visitors to this blog are considering riding the Amade Radmarathon on 20 May. More info on the events via the website:
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Training in Girona, like the professionals
Tuesday Night Rides to start
Starting from the Eurotower, a number of riders will start the weekly Tuesday Night Ride this week. Idea is to meet at 18:15 at Willy Brandt Platz and then ride towards Höchst-Farbwerke (so you could also take the S1 or S2 out there). There is a nice 8-9km loop out there, which is partially traffic free!
If you cannot make it at 18:15, you could go in the opposite direction when you exit the S-bahn station and ride a bit towards Hattersheim. Normally people will be riding on the loop until 19:30 approx, given the early season (and darkness, bring lights!).
More info can be obtained via Morten.
A precise plan with street names will be provided on this blog in due course.
If you cannot make it at 18:15, you could go in the opposite direction when you exit the S-bahn station and ride a bit towards Hattersheim. Normally people will be riding on the loop until 19:30 approx, given the early season (and darkness, bring lights!).
More info can be obtained via Morten.
A precise plan with street names will be provided on this blog in due course.
Friday, March 09, 2007
A Flemish weekend to prepare for Cologne
Those of you who will still need some mileage before entering the undoubtedly tough Rund um Köln race on Easter Monday, could spend a nice weekend in Flanders as preparation.
On Saturday, 31 March you can do the Tom Boonen Classic, a cyclotour with start and finish in the towm of Balen - Boonen's birthplace. The longest distance is 150km, mainly flat with a few Flemish hills - meaning short but steep -, but you can also do 130km, 90km and 75km.
Check the website: Tom Boonen Classic
One day later, on Sunday 1 April, you could then head for Harelbeke, 100km further up north in Flanders, to do the cyclotour version of the E3 Prijs, the semi-classic for pros held the day before. The 130km loop offers 11 climbs, most of them known from the Tour of Flanders. The 80km has five climbs in its course.
Check the website: E3 Prijs Harelbeke
One week later, on Easter Saturday you can of course also ride the Tour of Flanders, but two days before Cologne, that is easier said than done.
On Saturday, 31 March you can do the Tom Boonen Classic, a cyclotour with start and finish in the towm of Balen - Boonen's birthplace. The longest distance is 150km, mainly flat with a few Flemish hills - meaning short but steep -, but you can also do 130km, 90km and 75km.
Check the website: Tom Boonen Classic
One day later, on Sunday 1 April, you could then head for Harelbeke, 100km further up north in Flanders, to do the cyclotour version of the E3 Prijs, the semi-classic for pros held the day before. The 130km loop offers 11 climbs, most of them known from the Tour of Flanders. The 80km has five climbs in its course.
Check the website: E3 Prijs Harelbeke
One week later, on Easter Saturday you can of course also ride the Tour of Flanders, but two days before Cologne, that is easier said than done.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Tour of Germany open
The registrations for the three cyclo stages of the Deutschland Rundfahrt in August are now open.
First there will be the T-Mobile Mountain Challenge in Sölden, Austria, on Tuesday 14 August. 13 kilometres to the top of the Rettenbachferner.
T-Mobile Mountain Challenge
The GIANT time trial is scheduled for the Friday in Fürth, Bayern, and will be a flat 40km.
GIANT time trial
EDEKA Race Day will take place in Hannover this year. On Saturday, 18 August participants can choose between 50, 70 or 90 generally flat kilometres. A nice warm-up for Hamburg the day after.
EDEKA Race Day
The registrations for the three cyclo stages of the Deutschland Rundfahrt in August are now open.
First there will be the T-Mobile Mountain Challenge in Sölden, Austria, on Tuesday 14 August. 13 kilometres to the top of the Rettenbachferner.
T-Mobile Mountain Challenge
The GIANT time trial is scheduled for the Friday in Fürth, Bayern, and will be a flat 40km.
GIANT time trial
EDEKA Race Day will take place in Hannover this year. On Saturday, 18 August participants can choose between 50, 70 or 90 generally flat kilometres. A nice warm-up for Hamburg the day after.
EDEKA Race Day
Monday, February 26, 2007
Köln expecting 3500 participants!
Emphasizing the increasing popularity of Germany's cyclo events, the organisers of Rund um Köln on Easter Monday have stated they expect 3500 riders at the start! Considering Cologne cannot be considered an easy ride with quite some Hm to conquer, that is remarkable for such an early season event. Maybe the fine weather has helped boosting people's confidence to sign up well in advance...
In any case, a number of people linked to the Frankfurt International Cycling Club have also registered for the race, which is the start of the 2007 T-Mobile Cycling Tour. People seeking transport or other information can send an email to frankfurt.cyclingclub@googlemail.com.
To register for the event, go to http://www.rundumkoeln.de
In any case, a number of people linked to the Frankfurt International Cycling Club have also registered for the race, which is the start of the 2007 T-Mobile Cycling Tour. People seeking transport or other information can send an email to frankfurt.cyclingclub@googlemail.com.
To register for the event, go to http://www.rundumkoeln.de
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Ötztaler sold out within a few hours
Even though the precise time and date of the registration opening was not announced, all 4000 tickets for the Ötztaler Radmarathon in Sölden on 26 August have been sold out within 3 hours! It shows the still increasing popularity of big cyclo events and the magic appeal of the Oetztaler in its current non-compromising form: 238 km and 5500 Hm.
Recently there have been rumours of introducing a shorter B-distance, as well as a special combo-ranking of a MTB race on Saturday and a road race on Sunday.
I think true cyclosportive-riders would hate to see that happening, as the beauty of the Oetztaler is the fact that it is every year a proper challenge, even for good climbers! Every participant is in for the same treat!
Recently there have been rumours of introducing a shorter B-distance, as well as a special combo-ranking of a MTB race on Saturday and a road race on Sunday.
I think true cyclosportive-riders would hate to see that happening, as the beauty of the Oetztaler is the fact that it is every year a proper challenge, even for good climbers! Every participant is in for the same treat!
Friday, February 09, 2007
Race on the Championship course...
As announced last week, the T-Mobile cycling tour 2007 will include a race on the 'WM Strecke' in Stuttgart on 3 June (same day as the race in Fürth). There will be a choice of laps one can ride, with 4 as a maximum for nearly 80km with over 1500 Hm. That sounds like a pretty tough course! All details and registration options will be available on the organisation's website as of 15 February.
http://www.wm-velotour.de
Meanwhile, the 3 October race in Münster will also get a face-lift. Three distances are on offer, the longest being 130 km! That will not be self-understood at that time of the year, so the Münsterlandgiro will truly be a challenging conclusion to the T-Mobile Cycling Tour ! Registration is open: http://www.muensterland-giro.de/
http://www.wm-velotour.de
Meanwhile, the 3 October race in Münster will also get a face-lift. Three distances are on offer, the longest being 130 km! That will not be self-understood at that time of the year, so the Münsterlandgiro will truly be a challenging conclusion to the T-Mobile Cycling Tour ! Registration is open: http://www.muensterland-giro.de/
Friday, February 02, 2007
T-Mobile Cycling Tour 2007 officially announced!
At last, the official announcement of the 2007 T-Mobile Cycling Tour has been made. On www.t-mobile-cyclingtour.de you can read the details as well as take a good look at a number of surpises in the calendar!
On 3 June there will be a race on the World Championship course in Stuttgart, for example, and at the end of August one or more jedermann races are foreseen in the context of the Regio Tour!
RiderMan in Bad Dürrheim, a traditional Golden Bike Event in late September, is also included in the T-Mobile Tour.
On 3 June there will be a race on the World Championship course in Stuttgart, for example, and at the end of August one or more jedermann races are foreseen in the context of the Regio Tour!
RiderMan in Bad Dürrheim, a traditional Golden Bike Event in late September, is also included in the T-Mobile Tour.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Deutschland Runfahrt: Jedermann dates announced!
The three "Jedermann" stages of the 2007 Deutschland Rundfahrt have been announced on:
http://www.deutschland-tour.de/de/jedermann/index.php
Perhaps sadly, the three stages are seperate from each other. The T-Mobile Mountain Challenge will be held on Tuesday, 14 August in Sölden. It is a time trial on the Rettenbachferner, 13km long and 1.300 Hm.
The GIANT time trail is scheduled for Friday, 17 August in Fürth. Distance will be 40 km.
EDEKA Race Day will be held on Saturday, 18 August in Hannover. The longest distance is said to be 80 km. And afterwards... rush rush rush to Hamburg for the Cyclassics !
http://www.deutschland-tour.de/de/jedermann/index.php
Perhaps sadly, the three stages are seperate from each other. The T-Mobile Mountain Challenge will be held on Tuesday, 14 August in Sölden. It is a time trial on the Rettenbachferner, 13km long and 1.300 Hm.
The GIANT time trail is scheduled for Friday, 17 August in Fürth. Distance will be 40 km.
EDEKA Race Day will be held on Saturday, 18 August in Hannover. The longest distance is said to be 80 km. And afterwards... rush rush rush to Hamburg for the Cyclassics !
Monday, January 29, 2007
Hoechst loop offers great training
Lorenzo, Morten, Cyril and Kris checked out the 9km loop in Hoechst's industrial area on Sunday afternoon and found it basically traffic-free and wide open for genuine training. On the 3 km "freeride zone", a stretch even totally prohibited for cars, the wind was against the riders, who attacked each other nonetheless! After all, it's training. Cyril proved to have the best legs at present.
With the weather still unpredictable, it is difficult to set up a proper schedule for training rides. But as far as the loop is concerned, on Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons you may find us there. Depending on traffic on weekday-evenings, the idea would be to make this loop the training territory for the Tuesday Night Ride later on.
With the weather still unpredictable, it is difficult to set up a proper schedule for training rides. But as far as the loop is concerned, on Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons you may find us there. Depending on traffic on weekday-evenings, the idea would be to make this loop the training territory for the Tuesday Night Ride later on.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Attention: Hamburg opens the gate!
The biggest Germany cyclo event of the year, Vatenfall Cyclassics in Hamburg, opens its registrations today, 23 January. The event will be held three weeks later than usual on 19 August, but this may actually suit the cyclo riders more. The weekends before there are opportunities to warm up or shape up via T-Mobile races in Dresden, Bochum, Nürbürgring and the stages of the Deutschland Rundfahrt.
People who want to participate in Hamburg will need to be quick with their registration. Morten has been riding the event the past four years and can provide more information if necessary.
http://www.vatenfall-cyclassics.de
Meanwhile, for those who are doing a Spring Campaign, please remember Cologne (9 April), Göttingen (29 April) and Frankfurt (1 May) are open.
People who want to participate in Hamburg will need to be quick with their registration. Morten has been riding the event the past four years and can provide more information if necessary.
http://www.vatenfall-cyclassics.de
Meanwhile, for those who are doing a Spring Campaign, please remember Cologne (9 April), Göttingen (29 April) and Frankfurt (1 May) are open.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
CTFs 2007 online
The provisional 2007 planning for CTFs has just been published on http://www.rad-net.de/modules.php?name=Breitensport. The following races could be of interest to FICC:
So, 04.02.2007
1. Hohemark-Tour
36/28 km
Rad Touren Club Frankfurt e.V.
So, 25.02.2007
Jubiläum 100 Jahre
46/30 km
RC 1907 Auringen e.V.
So, 11.03.2007
3. STAUFENBIKE
51/31 km
RC Radsportfreunde Hattersheim 1981 e.V.
So, 04.02.2007
1. Hohemark-Tour
36/28 km
Rad Touren Club Frankfurt e.V.
So, 25.02.2007
Jubiläum 100 Jahre
46/30 km
RC 1907 Auringen e.V.
So, 11.03.2007
3. STAUFENBIKE
51/31 km
RC Radsportfreunde Hattersheim 1981 e.V.
Best wishes for 2007!
To everyone, a healthy, pleasant and successful 2007!
The holiday season is over now and slowly slowly the first events of the season are entering the minds of the competitive cyclist. For two weeks now one can also register for the Tour d' Energie race in Göttingen on 29 April, an event very much appreciated by those of us who have already done it. More info on www.goesf.de
Hamburg has been confirmed for 19 August with registrations due to open very soon.
Bochum on 5 August and Dresden on 29 July are two other T-Mobile Cycling Tour events that have confirmed their 2007 dates.
Those who wish to do the 150km tour of the Amstel in Valkenburg (NL) should rush to the website (see link on the right-hand side), as there are only a few numbers left for that distance. Plenty of other distances are still available, though.
The holiday season is over now and slowly slowly the first events of the season are entering the minds of the competitive cyclist. For two weeks now one can also register for the Tour d' Energie race in Göttingen on 29 April, an event very much appreciated by those of us who have already done it. More info on www.goesf.de
Hamburg has been confirmed for 19 August with registrations due to open very soon.
Bochum on 5 August and Dresden on 29 July are two other T-Mobile Cycling Tour events that have confirmed their 2007 dates.
Those who wish to do the 150km tour of the Amstel in Valkenburg (NL) should rush to the website (see link on the right-hand side), as there are only a few numbers left for that distance. Plenty of other distances are still available, though.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
German Bike Master 2007 starts with a sunny race!
The German Bike Master adds an additional race to its shedule, in Cyprus!
With this sunny addition there are now six races:
25.02.2007 Zypern
27.05.2007 RadSport-Festival Garmisch-Partenkirchen
24.06.2007 Spessart Bike Marathon (Frammersbach)
08.07.2007 Bike Marathon Bald Wildbad
11.+12.08.2007 Sigma Sport BM Neustadt a.d.W.
07.10.2006 ALB-GOLD TrophyMünsingen, Schw.
FICC riders have in the past taken part in some of these races and are looking forward to do the same in 2007.
For more information check http://www.germanbikemasters.de/
where you can check rules and regulation, including the offer to enrol for ALL six events for only EUR 160
With this sunny addition there are now six races:
25.02.2007 Zypern
27.05.2007 RadSport-Festival Garmisch-Partenkirchen
24.06.2007 Spessart Bike Marathon (Frammersbach)
08.07.2007 Bike Marathon Bald Wildbad
11.+12.08.2007 Sigma Sport BM Neustadt a.d.W.
07.10.2006 ALB-GOLD TrophyMünsingen, Schw.
FICC riders have in the past taken part in some of these races and are looking forward to do the same in 2007.
For more information check http://www.germanbikemasters.de/
where you can check rules and regulation, including the offer to enrol for ALL six events for only EUR 160
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Bicycle Racing Terminology
For those looking for the right term in English...
Breakaway. One or more riders who sprint away from the peloton in an effort to build a lead. Competing riders in a breakaway will often form uneasy alliances, working together and drafting to increase or maintain their lead. Those alliances break down, though, as they approach the finish. A team leader in a breakaway with multiple teammates has a decided advantage over a rider who has no support.
Bridge. A rider or riders who sprint away from the main group of riders, or peloton, and catch the breakaway.
Broom Wagon. The vehicle that follows the race, picking up racers who have to abandon the race.
Circuit Race. A multiple-lap race around a course of 2 miles or more. Circuit races are great crowd pleasers. The final stage of the 2007 Tour of California is a circuit race. If you're in or near Long Beach, CA on the 25th, don't miss it!
Clincher. A traditional bicycle tire that is mounted on a rim with a wire or kevlar bead. Clinchers are easy to replace or repair, but they and their rims tend to weigh more than a tubular.
Disc Wheel. A bicycle wheel with covers or a solid disc, rather than open spokes. Disc wheels are very aerodynamic, but heavy, and can turn into a sail in a strong crosswind.
Domestique. A rider whose main job is to help the team leader win the day's stage, or the entire race. A domestique may pull the leader up to a breakaway, or pace them up a steep climb. If a team leader gets a flat, a domestique may even be called upon to give up their front or rear wheel and wait for the team mechanic, saving the leader precious seconds.
Drafting. One or more riders ride single file behind another rider, taking advantage of that rider's slipstream. By doing so the rider behind has less of a headwind and gets a breather. In a crosswind, riders may ride in a diagonal line, instead. Drafting is the lynchpin of most bicycle racing tactics. See also paceline.
Jump. The first acceleration in a sprint.
King of the Mountains. The KOM is the fastest climber in the overall standings. King of the Mountain is awarded to the racer who has the best total time to the many KOM sprints in the Tour. Look for the KOM jersey in the race.
Lead Out. A racer's teammate(s) form a paceline in front of the leader, pulling hard for the finish. The supporting cast pulls off one at a time, leaving the leader rested and fast for the last sprint. Leadouts typically happen right before the finish line or sprint.
Paceline. A formation of two or more riders who are drafting. Typically, racers take turns doing the hard work at the front of the line.
Peloton. The main group of racers. With its dozens of colorful jerseys, maneuvering for position and breakneck speeds, the peloton can be quite a site. Also called the pack.
Schwag. The free stuff competitors get when they race. May include water bottles, jerseys, food, or more expensive toys.
Sprint. A quick scramble for the finish line or a mid-race king of the mountain or other competition. A professional road race sprint is fast, furious and tactical. Watch for riders to jockey for the second or third spot, or organize leadouts by their teammates.
Squirrel. A small rodent, but also a rider who is erratic and 'squirrely' when riding in a group.
Stage Race. A race comprised of multiple one-day races, or stages. The Tour of California is a stage race.
Technical. A descent or other portion of a race that is twisty, steep or otherwise challenging from the point of view of bike handling.
Time Trial. Often called the Race of Truth, a time trial pits a rider or a team against the clock. Individual time trials are grueling affairs, with each rider expending maximum effort.
Tubular. A high-performance racing tire with the inner tube sewn inside the tire. The tire is then glued to a low-profile rim. Tubulars offer weight and strength advantages, but are hard to fix and maintain. Plus a bad gluing job can mean a tire failure in a sharp turn, and an ugly crash. Also called sew-ups.
Wheelsucker. A somewhat dated term for someone who, while riding in a paceline, doesn't take a turn at the front of the line. These days they get called lots of other names. None are printable here...
Breakaway. One or more riders who sprint away from the peloton in an effort to build a lead. Competing riders in a breakaway will often form uneasy alliances, working together and drafting to increase or maintain their lead. Those alliances break down, though, as they approach the finish. A team leader in a breakaway with multiple teammates has a decided advantage over a rider who has no support.
Bridge. A rider or riders who sprint away from the main group of riders, or peloton, and catch the breakaway.
Broom Wagon. The vehicle that follows the race, picking up racers who have to abandon the race.
Circuit Race. A multiple-lap race around a course of 2 miles or more. Circuit races are great crowd pleasers. The final stage of the 2007 Tour of California is a circuit race. If you're in or near Long Beach, CA on the 25th, don't miss it!
Clincher. A traditional bicycle tire that is mounted on a rim with a wire or kevlar bead. Clinchers are easy to replace or repair, but they and their rims tend to weigh more than a tubular.
Disc Wheel. A bicycle wheel with covers or a solid disc, rather than open spokes. Disc wheels are very aerodynamic, but heavy, and can turn into a sail in a strong crosswind.
Domestique. A rider whose main job is to help the team leader win the day's stage, or the entire race. A domestique may pull the leader up to a breakaway, or pace them up a steep climb. If a team leader gets a flat, a domestique may even be called upon to give up their front or rear wheel and wait for the team mechanic, saving the leader precious seconds.
Drafting. One or more riders ride single file behind another rider, taking advantage of that rider's slipstream. By doing so the rider behind has less of a headwind and gets a breather. In a crosswind, riders may ride in a diagonal line, instead. Drafting is the lynchpin of most bicycle racing tactics. See also paceline.
Jump. The first acceleration in a sprint.
King of the Mountains. The KOM is the fastest climber in the overall standings. King of the Mountain is awarded to the racer who has the best total time to the many KOM sprints in the Tour. Look for the KOM jersey in the race.
Lead Out. A racer's teammate(s) form a paceline in front of the leader, pulling hard for the finish. The supporting cast pulls off one at a time, leaving the leader rested and fast for the last sprint. Leadouts typically happen right before the finish line or sprint.
Paceline. A formation of two or more riders who are drafting. Typically, racers take turns doing the hard work at the front of the line.
Peloton. The main group of racers. With its dozens of colorful jerseys, maneuvering for position and breakneck speeds, the peloton can be quite a site. Also called the pack.
Schwag. The free stuff competitors get when they race. May include water bottles, jerseys, food, or more expensive toys.
Sprint. A quick scramble for the finish line or a mid-race king of the mountain or other competition. A professional road race sprint is fast, furious and tactical. Watch for riders to jockey for the second or third spot, or organize leadouts by their teammates.
Squirrel. A small rodent, but also a rider who is erratic and 'squirrely' when riding in a group.
Stage Race. A race comprised of multiple one-day races, or stages. The Tour of California is a stage race.
Technical. A descent or other portion of a race that is twisty, steep or otherwise challenging from the point of view of bike handling.
Time Trial. Often called the Race of Truth, a time trial pits a rider or a team against the clock. Individual time trials are grueling affairs, with each rider expending maximum effort.
Tubular. A high-performance racing tire with the inner tube sewn inside the tire. The tire is then glued to a low-profile rim. Tubulars offer weight and strength advantages, but are hard to fix and maintain. Plus a bad gluing job can mean a tire failure in a sharp turn, and an ugly crash. Also called sew-ups.
Wheelsucker. A somewhat dated term for someone who, while riding in a paceline, doesn't take a turn at the front of the line. These days they get called lots of other names. None are printable here...
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Hessen Cup termine 2007
RTF and Radmarathon lovers, please see below the dates of the 2007 Hessen Cup events.
28. Mai
RSV Oppershofen
17. Juni
RC Hattersheim
24. Juni
RVW Gambach
08. Juli
RSC Grünberg
22. Juli
RVG Hungen
18. Aug
RSV Bad Hersfeld
26. Aug
RC Langenselbold
02. Sept
wirdnoch bekannt gegeben – muss noch bestätigt werden
28. Mai
RSV Oppershofen
17. Juni
RC Hattersheim
24. Juni
RVW Gambach
08. Juli
RSC Grünberg
22. Juli
RVG Hungen
18. Aug
RSV Bad Hersfeld
26. Aug
RC Langenselbold
02. Sept
wirdnoch bekannt gegeben – muss noch bestätigt werden
Hamburg opens on 23 January 2007
The registrations for Germany's biggest one-day race, the Vatenfall Cyclassics, opens on 23 January at 12:00 CET. When the event will actually take place is still uncertain. The link to the organisation can be found on the right-hand side.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Eppstain MTB loop
For the last 3 years the taunustrails has been one of the nicest event in the area. However, there are plenty more rides around Eppstain. A nice loop was designed last week end by FICC riders around the Kaisertemple. While the road stops at the temple, with the MTB you can still climb to the top of the hill and descend off road, with a couple of variants. This should suit experienced and less experienced riders. This loop measured approx 6km with approx 300hm, with the longer climb to the temple followed by a shorter but steeper one off-road later on, providing the perfect winter work out.
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