A feed zone at Trans Germany. Note the DJ set up at the back of the van. Sehr gut, ja?
On June 1st, it’s time again. When Sonthofen’s First Mayor Hubert Buhl
gives the starting signal to open the fifth ever CRAFT BIKE TRANS
GERMANY powered by NISSAN at 10 AM, 1,200 mountain bikers will get under way. Their goal: to master a total of 329.40 kilometers and 8,366 meters in elevation from the Allgau district capital via Pfronten, Lermoos (AUT) and Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Maurach/Achensee (AUT).
Besides some international stars of the scene, who will compete for the
total prize money of € 10,000, hundreds of amateurs and hobby bikers
have registered and thus made Germany’s possibly biggest mountain bike
stage race a sold-out event again.
A total of about 100 women, 500 men as well as almost 450 masters (men
in the 40+) and some 150 senior masters (men in the 50+) will be at the
ready at the public pool Wonnemar in Sonthofen the day after tomorrow.
The youngest of the field is only 17 years old and thus 50 years younger
than the oldest one.
13 mountain bikers have competed in all four editions held so far while 29
participants have been racing the “Tour de France for mountain bikers”
three times. In addition, 60 Trans Germany riders entered the race twice.
And as 294 starters bring in at least one start, it’s a total of 396 with Trans
Germany experience facing 804 total newbies.
But all will compete true to a motto Holger Hoffmann from title sponsor
CRAFT, who enters his fifth Trans Germany, states in just a few words: “It’s
taking part that counts!”