Press Releases 2020

December, 15th 2020

It is already foreseeable that May 1, 2021 will be a special event for Eschborn-Frankfurt. An adapted event concept takes the current situation into account. Furthermore, with the 60th edition of the German classic and the 20th anniversary of the ŠKODA Velotour two anniversaries lie ahead.

The organizer, Gesellschaft zur Förderung des Radsports, is optimistic about the coming year and is counting on the German classic to be held again on May 1^st. In addition to a new event schedule, which will primarily align the time of the ŠKODA Velotour, intensive work is being carried out on an extensive hygiene concept. As the most important adjustment, the ŠKODA Velotour will encompass the elite race: the ŠKODA Velotour Classic begins before the professionals over 100 kilometers - after the professionals, the ŠKODA Velotour Skyline starts over 40 kilometers. Starting blocks are made smaller and starting distances are increased. Overall, the starting time for amateur athletes will be extended from the current 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.

“Even if the official requirements for May 1^st have not yet been determined, we are preparing for changes. The diversity of the cycling classic makes this task very complex, but we have redesigned every single area in the last few weeks. Because one thing is very clear: We want the 60^th anniversary edition of Eschborn-Frankfurt to take place,” says Claude Rach, Managing Director of the Gesellschaft zur Förderung des Radsports.

Read more (PDF)

December, 2nd 2020

Fans don't have to wait until May 1st to get into the cycling classic mood. From December 7th to 31^st, hobby athletes can train comfortably at home on the routes from Eschborn-Frankfurt. The virtual racing platform Rouvy will be the venue for the “Eschborn-Frankfurt E-Challenge” over the next few weeks.

After the premiere on May 1^st, when 1,500 participants from 25 countries virtually rode the ŠKODA Velotour E-Race, a digital racing series lasting several weeks will follow in December. There are several routes to choose from and provide variety in winter training. In addition to the ŠKODA Velotour Skyline over 40 kilometers, which has the Frankfurt skyline as well as the start and finish in Eschborn, the climb from Oberursel to the Feldberg can be conquered. And with the Mammolshainer Stich, a Taunus icon becomes a virtual experience: a 23% incline is simulated on the exercise bike. As a reward, Rouvy awards coveted points and badges for a digital cycling career.

Read more (PDF)

April, 24^th 2020

Also this year May 1st remains an obligatory date in the calendar, because for the first time the cycling classic starts digitally. Instead of riding on the streets between Eschborn and Frankfurt, cyclists will sweat on their training bikes next week. And what has been common for years on May 1st will also apply in 2020: everyone can participate! Led by current champion Pascal Ackermann and local hero John Degenkolb, professionals and amateur athletes can experience the cycling classic digitally together at the ŠKODA Velotour E-Race.

The race over 40 kilometers from Eschborn through Frankfurt City and back to Eschborn is run on the Rouvy training platform. Footage from the original route of the ŠKODA Velotour Skyline brings a true classic cycling atmosphere into the virtual simulation. The video is made available by the Frankfurt Rotary Cycling Team. The charity team has been starting at Eschborn-Frankfurt since 2013 to draw attention to the fight against polio.

From Monday, registration for the digital race is possible via our website erace.skoda-velotour.de. To guarantee a smooth start an early registration and trying out with your own racing bike is recommended.

March 18th, 2020

Together with the city of Eschborn and the city of Frankfurt am Main, the Gesellschaft zur Förderung des Radsports decided to cancel the 59^th edition of the race on May 1^st and to consider postponing it to a later date. Given the current circumstances, the partners mutually agree that the implementation of the German Classic on May 1^st cannot be guaranteed. All partners share the view that in this exceptional situation, the health of the athletes, participants, visitors and guests of the event must be our priority.

Claude Rach, Managing Director of the Gesellschaft zur Förderung des Radsports, the organizer of Eschborn-Frankfurt: “With this decision, we are making our contribution to slowing down the spread of the corona virus. We are aware of our social responsibility, because May 1^st has been a bike festival for over 50 years. But currently it is not possible to celebrate the bike carefree.”

Rach continues: “Our close and trusting partnership with Eschborn, Frankfurt and our partners is proving itself right now. Despite this extremely challenging situation we have reached a quick unanimous decision. I would like to thank Mr. Shaikh and Mr. Frank as well as our municipal partners of the Team Taunus and sponsors.”

In a joint statement, Adnan Shaikh, Mayor of the City of Eschborn, and Markus Frank, City Councilor and Head of the Department of Economy, Sports, Public Safety and Fire Prevention of the City of Frankfurt, say: “The cancellation of Eschborn-Frankfurt on May 1^st is one of the measures with which we want to limit the spread of the corona virus. It serves the safety of all citizens. The current challenge requires the full concentration of our authorities. With the early decision to postpone the event, we relieve the employees of the municipalities involved in the planning of Eschborn-Frankfurt. Health and approving authorities, the police and the fire department make an enormous contribution in this exceptional situation."

In addition to the elite race, the 4 contests of the ŠKODA Velotour and the other 13 events of Eschborn-Frankfurt will not take place on May 1st. Currently, it is examined with the responsible authorities and the UCI whether and when Eschborn-Frankfurt and the ŠKODA Velotour can be carried out in September or October this year and, if necessary, with what adjustments.

An overview of the most important questions is also made available for the participants of the ŠKODA Velotour at www.skoda-velotour.de.

PDF Download