With its name “Rund um den Donnersberg” (means „thunder“ in German) the race in Bolanden let already expect a lot. And indeed it is a race where all year the Elite of the German road cyclists find together to fight against each other and make them suffer a lot. It is one of the less remaining real road races in Germany with 140 hard kilometers. Every single lap from 17 in total there is a 1,5 kilometer climb to leave behind. Ok, sounds not really long, and compared to the alps it is really not, but everyone who ever did a race like this, perfectly knows that if you have to do this 17 times, that is what kills you at the end. And especially when there is a hard sprint at the top of the climb for a prime: that is even worse.
After the first or even second lap everything still feels quite comfortable but then, the 5th or 6th lap, the suffer starts. And you just wish you wouldn’t do this kind of racing.
What is the solution for a situation like this? Not so easy to answer but today three guys found a solution after lap 4 and made their way alone after the top of the climb. Among them: Patrick Lechner from team Stradalli – BIKE AID. He already proofed a great shape in Tour of Ireland and after giving his body the needed rest, he continues with great racing! The 3 lads in front harmonized well and quite soon they had a comfortable gap between them and the main bunch of 4:30 minutes.
As they went into the last lap, the gap remained at the same time and it was sure they will race for the victory. After a breathtaking final it was Simon Nuber from Team Möbel Ehrman who won the race and bet Patrick Lechner in the Sprint. The 2nd place is a great result for Patrick and the team, and Meron Amanuel rounded the day up with his 7th place in the following group.
Far more south the second hard race took place. 130 kilometers with more than 2500 meters of climbing makes the “Grand Prix of Baier Bikesportworld” to one of the most prestigious races in the south of Germany. Nikodemus Holler made also his way into the break-away that was dominated by the host team with 4 people in it. After lot of attacks and lot of rain, Nikodemus tried to put all his cards on the table in the final lap and attacked the break. 1 Kilometer to the finish line the guys behind could catch him with all what they had and it was Florenz Knauer who won the race. Niko finished on a great 6th place and continues to show his great shape.
A really good race day with good results from the guys of Stradalli – BIKE AID! Well done and keep going next week at the German national Championships!
