3 races. 1 finish line. These are the routes of the 2026 ADAC Cyclassics
April 28 th 2026 - 16:00
The routes for the 2026 ADAC Cyclassics have been finalised: with the publication of the courses for both the amateur races and the professional race, Northern Germany’s largest cycling event on 16 August 2026 enters its decisive phase. Registration remains open.
This year’s route announcement focuses on the two amateur distances: The Challenge (110 km race) and The Experience (60 km race). Both routes combine sporting ambition with a unique riding experience through Hamburg and the surrounding metropolitan region, including a finish on Mönckebergstraße. As is tradition, the UCI WorldTour race will also be decided on the popular shopping boulevard in close proximity to City Hall and the Inner Alster.
For the first time, the two amateur distances are additionally branded as “The Challenge” and “The Experience”. This new naming aims to communicate the character of each route more clearly: the approximately 110-kilometre Challenge represents the ultimate sporting test, while the approximately 60-kilometre Experience offers the perfect introduction to the Cyclassics with a compact urban riding experience.
“The ADAC Cyclassics will take place for the 29th time this year and are known for bringing together thousands of cycling enthusiasts of all abilities on one day,” says Hendrik Heinz, Head of ADAC Cyclassics Hamburg. “That is exactly what is reflected in the 2026 routes: the 110-kilometre Challenge delivers a true classic feel and covers large parts of the UCI WorldTour course, while the 60-kilometre Experience provides an ideal entry point.”
The Challenge: Classic race feeling over 110 kilometres
The longer route is designed for ambitious participants and combines key elements of a classic race profile. The start is located in Hamburg’s HafenCity on Versmannstraße. From there, riders cross the Köhlbrand Bridge twice and pass through the districts of Stade and Harburg, including sections in the Altes Land region and Buxtehude.
A key sporting section awaits in the municipality of Rosengarten, featuring the climb on Rosengartenstraße. The route then returns via the Port of Hamburg to the city centre, where the race reaches its emotional climax with the finish on Mönckebergstraße.
A new feature of the 2026 route is the crossing of the Neue Elbbrücke, which is included for the first time and will be ridden twice.
The Experience: A compact 60-kilometre introduction to the Cyclassics
The shorter route offers the perfect entry into Northern Germany’s largest cycling event, covering approximately 60 kilometres through key parts of the city and its surroundings. As in previous years, the start takes place on Alsterglacis, with the starting grid extending to Kennedy Bridge.
The route initially heads through the western districts of Hamburg and the Pinneberg area, passing through Schenefeld, Holm and Wedel before returning to the city. Here, participants encounter sporting and scenic highlights such as the Kösterberg and the Elbchaussee. The route then leads via the Reeperbahn to the finish on Mönckebergstraße, right in the heart of the city.
Elite race: UCI WorldTour route with Waseberg finale
The UCI WorldTour race will once again start in Buxtehude in the Stade district. Up to the Hamburg city centre, the professional peloton follows the same route as the 110-kilometre course. In the latter stages, the race is decided in the west of the city: a total of five passages over the Waseberg in Blankenese shape the finale. The 700-metre climb, with gradients of up to 16%, will also host the Van Rysel King of the Mountains classification.
Between the climbs, the peloton returns twice to the city centre before the race concludes after 206 kilometres with the final sprint on Mönckebergstraße.
“In the professional race, the legendary Waseberg – which is tackled five times – will once again play a decisive role in the finale,” says Fabian Wegmann, Sporting Director of the ADAC Cyclassics Hamburg.
Cycling for all: from first ride to full challenge
The ADAC Cyclassics have always stood for the connection between elite and amateur cycling. In 2026, participants once again have the opportunity to ride on fully closed roads through Hamburg and the metropolitan region – in parts even on the same sections as the professionals. With the two distances, The Experience and The Challenge, the ADAC Cyclassics offer both an accessible entry point and a demanding sporting challenge.
Registration for the 2026 ADAC Cyclassics is already open: https://www.timeto.com/en/event/adac-cyclassics
Weitere Informationen zu den ADAC Cyclassics 2026 unter: https://www.cyclassics-hamburg.de/en/
