Strong performances and valuable experience at Germany’s biggest amateur race.
On May 1st, the legendary German cycling classic Eschborn–Frankfurt was on the calendar. Representing our team in the amateur race were Leo Ebner, Felix Heinemann, Simon Keppelmüller, and Jurek Sokolowski.
At 8:45 a.m., the starting gun fired for more than 10,000 participants. As expected, the pace was high from the very beginning. Unfortunately, this fast and hectic start led to three large crashes before the race even reached the Feldberg, the first major climb of the day. Thankfully, all of our riders managed to avoid the pile-ups and stay upright — but not without some close calls.
Just before the Feldberg, Simon, still recovering from a sore throat, decided to ease off and dropped back through the peloton to join Felix, who had been delayed due to the congestion caused by the crashes. The two of them chose to take the rest of the race at a more relaxed pace, enjoying the ride and avoiding unnecessary risks.
Meanwhile, Leo and Jurek were well-positioned in the front group as the climb to the Feldberg began. Leo managed to break away with a small lead group, while Jurek stayed in the larger group just behind.
However, the toughest part of the course — the Mammolshainer Stich — proved decisive. Leo lost contact with the front group on the brutally steep gradient, and Jurek also had to let go of his group at this point.
In the end, Leo crossed the line in an impressive 22nd place, with Jurek following not far behind in 39th — both solid results in a high stacked amateur field.
