Press Releases 2025

April 28^th, 2025

Lidl is expanding its cycling engagement in Germany. In addition to its role as title sponsor of the Lidl Deutschland Tour, the food retailer is now also becoming the Official Freshness Partner of Germany’s WorldTour classic Eschborn-Frankfurt.

With this new commitment, Lidl extends its partnership with A.S.O. Germany, a subsidiary of the Tour de France organizer A.S.O., through 2028.

Through this collaboration, Lidl is further strengthening its commitment to promoting physical activity and healthy nutrition as part of its social responsibility efforts. Eschborn-Frankfurt offers fans and spectators international top-level cycling and activities for amateur riders, which Lidl will support with various initiatives and healthy snacks such as fresh fruit, vegetables, and vegan alternatives from its own brand “Vemondo.” The aim is to inspire people to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle. Internationally, Lidl also emphasizes its dedication to cycling through its partnerships with the UCI WorldTeam and UCI Women’s WorldTeam Lidl-Trek.

“We are delighted to be supporting both the ‘Lidl Deutschland Tour’ and ‘Eschborn-Frankfurt’ in the coming years. In doing so, we are helping to foster the long-term development of professional cycling in Germany. As the Official Freshness Partner, we are also contributing to the optimization of lifestyles for both elite and amateur athletes through healthy and mindful nutrition,” says Alexander Lafery, Head of Marketing at Lidl Dienstleistung GmbH & Co. KG.

“By expanding our collaboration with Lidl, we are building on the successful launch of the Lidl Deutschland Tour last year. Together, we are strengthening cycling and aiming to inspire even more people to take up the sport,” says Matthias Pietsch, Managing Director of A.S.O. Germany GmbH.

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April 25^th, 2025

The Eschborn–Frankfurt Cycling Classic is more than just a major sporting event for professionals, amateur riders, and young athletes – it also stands as a powerful symbol of belonging and diversity. Two inclusive races, the VGF Inclusion Race and the VGF Handbike Race, have become a firmly established part of May 1st in the Main metropolis – in line with the motto of the Verkehrsgesellschaft Frankfurt (VGF): “Everyone rides.”

Together to the Finish: Inclusion Race with Frankfurt Students

Around 40 students from the Paul-Hindemith School and the Panoramaschule – a special needs school focused on cognitive development – will take part in a unique experience during the Inclusion Race. Forming mixed pairs, they ride one lap of the closed-off race circuit through downtown Frankfurt, cheered on by thousands of spectators just like the pros.

Under the motto “Together to the finish,” the tandems encourage one another, demonstrate team spirit, and celebrate their achievements with a dedicated medal ceremony on the stage at the Alte Oper. The aim: to promote social skills, boost self-confidence, and let young people experience the joy of movement through cycling.

Handbike Race: A Highlight of the ADAC Velotour

Also an integral part of the program is the Handbike Race, traditionally held as part of the ADAC Velotour along the 40-kilometer Skyline Route. Starting from their own designated block, around 30 handcyclists race through the streets of Frankfurt and the Vordertaunus – a physically demanding route with plenty of enthusiastic support along the way.

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April 24th, 2025

May 1st is Cycling Classic Day! Alongside thrilling races featuring the world’s elite riders and thousands of amateur cyclists, Eschborn-Frankfurt invites visitors to enjoy a colorful supporting program for the whole family – larger and more diverse than ever before.

Hotspot in the Heart of Eschborn

For the first time, the pro race kicks off at Rathausplatz in Eschborn – a traditionally popular fan hotspot, now becoming the official start location. From here, the world’s best riders and the U23 talents head out through the Taunus hills, all the way to the finish line at Frankfurt’s Alte Oper.

The fan festival on Eschborn’s Rathausplatz begins at 10 a.m. with a big screen broadcasting the race, live music, and a stage program running throughout the day. The team buses will be parked right next to the start area – a perfect opportunity for photos and autographs. All teams will be introduced on stage before the neutralized start of the pro race at 12:05 p.m., followed 20 minutes later by the U23 riders. In the afternoon, the peloton returns briefly to Eschborn before racing toward the grand finale in Frankfurt.

By moving the race start into the town center, the ADAC Velotour gains more space along Elly-Beinhorn-Straße, offering a redesigned post-race refreshment zone and an activity-filled program for participants, families, and friends. Highlights include a stage show, live coverage by Hessischer Rundfunk, and hands-on activities for children – such as the German Cycling Kids course, Sportjugend Hessen’s activities, and an ADAC mobility course. The fan zone at the XXXLutz parking lot opens at 8 a.m., just in time for the start of the amateur athletes.

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April 16^th, 2025

Two weeks ahead of May 1^st, the teams have announced their preliminary rider selections. A total of 14 UCI WorldTour teams and four of the top ProTeams are expected to line up for the cycling classic. In addition to the German stars, the start list features some of the biggest international names in the sport.

Leading the peloton is last year’s winner Maxim Van Gils. After a team transfer, the 25-year-old Belgian now rides for the only German team in the WorldTour, Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe. Wearing race number 1, the team is aiming to secure a home victory in front of Frankfurt’s Alte Oper.

A German victory after six years?

This year’s Eschborn-Frankfurt carries the motto “Home Victory” for the German riders. The last German to win was Pascal Ackermann (Israel - Premier Tech), who took the title in 2019. He has been selected again, along with Nils Politt (UAE Team Emirates – XRG) and Maximilian Schachmann (Soudal Quick-Step). While John Degenkolb is sidelined with injury, Jonas Rutsch will be flying the flag for Hesse. He starts with his new team, Intermarché – Wanty, alongside Georg Zimmermann, who benefitted two years ago from the debut of the double Feldberg ascent.

This revised course profile presents a real challenge for pure sprinters. In addition to Ackermann, only a few classic sprinters are on the provisional list, including Tim Torn Teutenberg (Lidl-Trek) and Max Kanter (XDS Astana Team). Among them are also young talents like Paul Magnier (Soudal Quick-Step), Tobias Lund Andresen (Team Picnic PostNL), and Michael Matthews (Team Jayco AlUla), all of whom prefer a tougher lead-up to the finish — making Eschborn-Frankfurt an ideal race for them. Riders known for their finishing speed from smaller groups include Marius Mayrhofer (Tudor Pro Cycling Team), Magnus Cort (Uno-X Mobility), and Alex Aranburu (Cofidis), who already demonstrated his affinity for Frankfurt by finishing second last year.

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April 7^th, 2025

The “kinder Joy of Moving mini tour” is once again generating excitement on two wheels in 2025, kicking off the cycling classic with a remarkable achievement: within just 24 hours of registration opening, all spots were completely booked! This overwhelming interest underscores how much sports-enthusiastic families look forward to the now-legendary activities of kinder Joy of Moving surrounding the Eschborn-Frankfurt event.

Movement, fun, and a unique atmosphere

On May 1st, everything revolves around the joy of movement. The “kinder Joy of Moving mini tour” engages children aged two to twelve with a diverse program that playfully encourages a love for cycling.

The kinder Joy of Moving Balance Bike Races:

The youngest participants (ages 2–5) can showcase their skills in the balance bike race on the final 100 meters of the official professional course. It’s not about speed or who crosses the finish line first, but about having fun and enjoying movement. At the finish, every child receives a medal because here, everyone is a winner!

The kinder Joy of Moving Bike Parade:

For children between six and twelve years old, the Bike Parade is a true highlight. Riding on the same course as their cycling idols, kids experience the special atmosphere of the cycling classic. A little extra with a big impact: all kids receive an exclusive cycling jersey, creating a wonderful keepsake and the feeling of being part of something special.

For those who want to join – even without a spot

Even though all spots are taken, it’s worth watching! The Bike Parade kicks off at 1:50 PM, featuring children aged six to twelve riding along the official course. The balance bike races start at 2:20 PM and 4:00 PM, directly on the professionals’ finishing straight.

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April 3^rd, 2025

This year, the U23 edition of the WorldTour race Eschborn-Frankfurt will see a record-breaking 28 young rider teams at the start – more than ever before. From development squads of major WorldTeams to ProContinental teams and smaller German club teams, the full spectrum of cycling talent will be represented.

To accommodate the high number of applicants and provide more German teams with the opportunity to compete in an internationally diverse field, the race organizers have decided to reduce the team size from seven to six riders. This adjustment, within the capped rider limit on May 1^st, allows for the inclusion of additional teams.

Five classic Continental teams from Germany will be at the start: Benotti Berthold, Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank, Rembe - rad-net, Run & Race – Wibatech, and Storck - Metropol. They will be joined by the Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe Rookies, who, together with Team Visma | Lease a Bike Development and the Israel Premier Tech Academy, form the U23 squads of professional teams. The Italian team VF Group – Bardiani CSF – Faizane, known from major races in Italy, will compete with a ProTeam license. Last year’s winning squad, Metec-Solarwatt from the Netherlands, will also be present. Traditional Danish strength is represented by Team ColoQuick. In total, teams from ten different nations will compete, with local German teams making up the largest share of the field.

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March 3^rd, 2025

Once again, the cycling classic has sold out early – this time six weeks before the start. An impressive field of 10,000 cycling enthusiasts is eagerly awaiting May 1st. While online registration for 2025 is now closed, all eyes are already on next year. Those who want to secure their spot for May 1, 2026, can now pre-register at adac-velotour.de. This ensures early notification when online registration opens, allowing participants to grab the best prices.

For the third consecutive year, the event has reached capacity well before the registration deadline – a clear sign of the ongoing cycling boom and the growing popularity of the ADAC Velotour. Among the 10,000 participants, the majority have opted for the most challenging of the three routes. Around 75 percent will take on the 103 km “Taunus Classic”, featuring legendary climbs such as the Feldberg and Mammolshainer Stich, making the event a truly unforgettable experience.

Volunteers Needed for May 1st

To ensure a smooth and safe event, a large team of dedicated volunteers is essential. In particular, course marshals are needed to secure key points along the route – both for the professional race and when amateur cyclists tackle the ADAC Velotour. Additional volunteers are also required for athlete services, assisting with medals, refreshments, and drinks for finishers.

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20.3.2025

The Hessian mineral water brand Rosbacher is now the official beverage partner of Eschborn-Frankfurt and the ADAC Velotour. Throughout the cycling classic, Rosbacher will provide refreshing hydration for all participants and fans.

On May 1st, both amateur athletes and professional cyclists will enjoy Rosbacher’s regional mineral water. While the elite riders in the WorldTour race will be accompanied by a water motorbike, participants of the ADAC Velotour can refresh themselves with Rosbacher beverages at the refreshment stations in the Taunus region and at the finish line in Eschborn. Fans at Frankfurt’s Opernplatz will also have the opportunity to experience Rosbacher’s products.

“Sport and mineral water go hand in hand – and as a traditional Hessian brand, we are proud to be the official beverage partner of Eschborn-Frankfurt. Our goal is to support athletes and fans in the best possible way and to experience an unforgettable event together,” says Nicole Dutta-Körner, Head of Marketing at Hassia Mineralquellen GmbH, the parent company of Rosbacher.

Nathanael Bank, Head of Eschborn-Frankfurt at A.S.O. Germany, adds: “We are delighted to welcome Rosbacher as our partner! The brand embodies quality and regional identity – values that also define the cycling classic and are especially important to us.”

March 6^th, 2025

For the cycling classic on May 1, 2025, 15 teams from the UCI WorldTour are expected. This reflects the continuous development of Eschborn-Frankfurt, as never before has the density of top teams been so high. The starting field will also be complemented by four of the best ProTeams. Altogether, a strong peloton which promises an exciting race.

The prestigious list of teams is led by Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe, which not only brings the home advantage into play but is also expected to start with the defending champion. In 2024, Maxim Van Gils won the classic for Lotto. Now, he wants to strike again with the only German WorldTeam. In addition to Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe, other top teams from the world rankings will be at the new starting line in the center of Eschborn. UAE Team Emirates – XRG, with Nils Politt, will be there, as well as Lidl-Trek, which has 2023 winner Sören Kragh Andersen in its ranks. For the first time since 2021, Visma | Lease a Bike will also return to Hesse and could have Cyclassics winner Olav Kooij with them.

Fans along the route will likely not have to do without their local heroes. Team Picnic PostNL, with John Degenkolb, has confirmed its participation, as has the new team of Jonas Rutsch, Intermarché-Wanty, which could send another German, Georg Zimmermann, as well as last year’s three-time Tour de France stage winner Biniam Girmay to the start. Soudal-Quick-Step on the other hand could impress with Maximilian Schachmann and rising French star Paul Magnier – a combination of a local pro and a potential winner.

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February 12^th, 2025

Škoda, Eschborn-Frankfurt and Deutschland Tour have been partners for many years. Now, the brand has further expanded its commitment: Škoda will be mobilising both bike races until 2028.

When the German pro season kicks off with the Eschborn-Frankfurt cycling classic on 1 May, Škoda will still be at the heart of the action. Škoda is providing its electric SUV Enyaq as the lead vehicle to head the peloton of the cycling elite competing for the prestigious victory in the German UCI WorldTour classic. The race's sports director, Fabian Wegmann, will use the vehicle as a mobile command center and, thanks to modern communication technology, will direct the race from the Škoda Enyaq.

At the Lidl Deutschland Tour, Škoda is involved as the official partner of the Green Jersey for the best sprinter – it is an association that has become a symbol that cycling fans also know from the Tour de France. In addition, Škoda mobilises the bike races and provides a fleet of up to 45 support and organisation vehicles in Germany. The electric SUV model Škoda Enyaq will also be present at the Lidl Deutschland Tour as the lead vehicle of the professional field.

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February 2^nd, 2025

The cycling classic on May 1st has been starting in Eschborn for 15 years. Now the town and the cycling classic are moving even closer together: For the first time, the pros will start right in the center of Eschborn. From Rathausplatz, the world's best cyclists will ride through the Taunus hills to the Alte Oper in Frankfurt.

The new starting point is far more than just a symbol. Eschborn's Rathausplatz has been a hotspot on May 1st for years. Thanks to the great commitment of the cultural department of the city of Eschborn, the route festival is held here every year, with which many Eschborn residents show their solidarity with the cycling classics. With the relocation of the professional start from the industrial estate to the town center, this commitment is now being enhanced.

"We want to bring the race even closer to the people. May 1st has been firmly anchored in the region for more than 60 years. This cycling festival is a day to take part, ride and celebrate. Now even more Eschborn residents will get the full race experience," says Matthias Pietsch, Managing Director at A.S.O. Germany.

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December 18^th, 2024

A.S.O. Germany and the ADAC join forces as the ADAC partners up with all three German events from the coming season. The ADAC is supporting the events to showcase the wide range of services it provides for cyclists.

In the future, the mobility club will be the title partner of the ADAC Cyclassics. This applies to both the elite and the amateur races in Hamburg. The club will also support the amateur races in the Eschborn-Frankfurt cycling classic and will be the title partner of the ADAC Velotour. Next year, the amateur race of the Lidl Deutschland Tour will be called the ADAC Cycling Tour. A total of around 25,000 participants will take part in all three races.

The partnership between ADAC and A.S.O. Germany is designed for the long term for all three events.

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December 10^th, 2024

The German branch of Tour de France organizer Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) is now trading under the name of its parent company. The Gesellschaft zur Förderung des Radsports mbH is now A.S.O. Germany GmbH.

A.S.O. Germany GmbH is the largest organizer of cycling events in Germany. Based in Frankfurt am Main, the company organizes the two German races on the UCI WorldTour. The cycling classic Eschborn-Frankfurt and the Hamburg Cyclassics are part of the world's most prestigious race series. A.S.O. Germany also organizes the Lidl Deutschland Tour - the only German stage race in the men's category. In addition to the professionals, 25,000 amateur athletes take part in these three cycling events.

About A.S.O.: Amaury Sport Organisation, a subsidiary of the Amaury Group (owner of sports media L'Equipe), owns, designs and organises top international sporting events. Specialised in the ‘non-stadia’ events, it has in-house knowledge of professions linked to organisation, media and sales of sports events. A.S.O. manages more than 100 events across 37 countries, in 5 major sports: cycling (Tour de France), motorsports (Dakar), mass participation events (Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris, Adidas Manchester Marathon), golf (Lacoste Ladies Open de France), and sailing event TV production and distribution.

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