Mass participation meets professional sport:
ADAC Cyclassics turn Hamburg into a cycling capital for one weekend
More than ten thousand cycling enthusiasts have marked August 17 in red on their calendars. That’s when the ADAC Cyclassics take center stage in the Hamburg metropolitan region. Alongside 161 professional riders – including the world’s best sprinters competing for a prestigious WorldTour victory – numerous amateur cyclists will take to the roads, enjoying car-free streets in the heart of the city.
This year, the race expands into new territory while adding even more of Hamburg’s signature atmosphere. For the first time, the 207-kilometer route will start in Lower Saxony, in the historic town of Buxtehude. Once the peloton crosses into Hamburg, the remaining 170 kilometers will stay entirely within the “Active City.” Along the way, riders will pass the finish line twice before the final dash for victory, with the iconic Waseberg climb featuring five times – a true challenge for the pros and a highlight for fans lining the route.
Even though the Waseberg has to be tackled twice more than last year – giving the race a more “classic” character – the sprinters have not shied away from committing to the event: last year’s winner Olav Kooij (Team Visma | Lease a Bike), Tour de France green jersey winner Jonathan Milan (Lidl – Trek), and Biniam Girmay (Intermarché – Wanty) will all return, meaning last year’s complete podium is back on the start line.
Top speeds in Mönckebergstraße:
Milan and Co. challenge last year's winner Kooij
Who is afraid of the Waseberg? Nobody! At least it seems that way, because the ADAC Cyclassics will once again bring together the world's best sprinters on August 17. After 207 kilometers through the Hamburg metropolitan region, starting in Buxtehude, the 23 teams are apparently expecting a bunch sprint on Mönckebergstraße. Almost all of them have their fastest men in the line-up. Here and there, however, there is also a wild card on the start list, which is headed by Olav Kooij.
Last year's winner from Team Visma | Lease a Bike is once again one of the most successful sprinters this season and has already proven his strong form in August. However, Kooij is just one of five former winners in Hamburg who are back in the field. Marco Haller (Tudor Pro Cycling Team, 2022), Elia Viviani (Lotto Cycling Team, 2017 to 2019), Alexander Kristoff (Uno-X Mobility, 2014) and Arnaud Démare (Arkéa - B&B Hotels, 2012) are also among them.
However, last year's runner-up Jonathan Milan (Lidl - Trek) is likely to have a better chance of success. The two-time stage winner of this year's Tour de France, who also took home the green jersey of the best sprinter, has already celebrated eight victories this year. Although Biniam Girmay (Intermarché - Wanty) has not yet broken the knot in the course of the season, as third last year he completes the 2024 podium. With Jordi Meeus (Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe), the last winner of a big city sprint this season in Copenhagen, and Kristoff, the fourth and fifth riders are also back.
Six new partners shape the ADAC Cyclassics 2025
The 29th edition of the ADAC Cyclassics not only marks the start of a new chapter in the sporting calendar - the face of the race is also changing in terms of partnerships. Six new brands will be involved in Germany's biggest cycling event for the first time in 2025. They will bring fresh perspectives, impulses and ideas - on and off the track.
The ADAC is supporting the ADAC Cyclassics 2025 for the first time as the name partner of the professional and amateur race - a visible sign of the growing importance of the bicycle in a changing mobility landscape. As a mobility club with over 22 million members, the ADAC brings experience, reach and a clear commitment to active transportation to the Cyclassics. The club also lends its name to the ADAC Velotour (Eschborn-Frankfurt) and the ADAC Cycling Tour as part of the Lidl Deutschland Tour - a commitment that underlines the claim to promote cycling visibly throughout Germany.
Lidl is a company that convincingly combines sport, healthy eating and social interaction. As the "Official Freshness Partner", Lidl sets healthy accents along the route - with fresh products, activities to participate in and a clear focus on exercise, conscious nutrition and family friendliness. Lidl is present at all three major German races, acts as the namesake of the Lidl Deutschland Tour, accompanies Eschborn-Frankfurt and now also the ADAC Cyclassics with its freshness concept - a commitment that combines cycling and lifestyle in a modern way.
Lidl is a partner of the three biggest cycling events in Germany
Lidl is setting another example for cycling in Germany: as an official partner of the ADAC Cyclassics, the company will also be involved in the Hamburg WorldTour race in future. As the "Official Freshness Partner", Lidl will also bring healthy impulses to the route - with fresh products and hands-on activities for fans and amateur cyclists. With the traditional race in the north, the company is expanding its partnership with A.S.O. Germany, the German subsidiary of the Tour de France organizer.
Lidl already lends its name to the Lidl Deutschland Tour and is a partner of the Eschborn-Frankfurt cycling classic. Now Lidl is also supporting the second German WorldTour race, the ADAC Cyclassics. The aim is to work with the organizers to get even more people interested in exercise, cycling and a balanced diet.
New host, familiar guests: 23 teams at the start of the ADAC Cyclassics
On August 17, the ADAC Cyclassics will experience a special edition: with Buxtehude as the new starting location and a revised route in and around Hamburg, the historic race is set for exciting new features. A total of 23 teams, each with seven riders, have confirmed their participation.
All 18 teams from the UCI WorldTour as well as five teams from the UCI ProSeries will be participating. In addition to Israel – Premier Tech and Lotto, who will take advantage of their automatic starting rights, Uno-X Mobility and the two Swiss teams Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team and Tudor Pro Cycling Team have also been invited. As a result, the field remains unchanged compared to last year – but the route is presented in a completely new guise.
Ten years after the first start outside Hamburg, the race begins again beyond the Elbe metropolis: Buxtehude hosts the peloton and sends it on a 207-kilometer course – the longest Cyclassics edition in the past five years. The first 30 kilometers lead through the districts of Stade and Harburg before the peloton reaches Hamburg city area. From there, it’s full speed ahead:
With the return of the Köhlbrand Bridge, an icon of the Cyclassics makes its comeback. A novelty is that the Waseberg will be climbed already in the first half of the race – a total of five crossings are scheduled. The finale promises high tension, as the winner will be crowned as usual on Mönckebergstraße.
Bikeleasing.de Kids Race brings joy to young cyclists – Registration now open
The stage belongs to the youngest cyclists even before the ADAC Cyclassics officially begin: On Saturday, August 16, Hamburg’s Mönckebergstraße will transform into a miniature race arena for the Bikeleasing.de Kids Race. Children aged between two and twelve can enjoy a very special cycling highlight on balance bikes, regular bicycles, or small road bikes, racing right on the professional race’s finishing stretch. In the heart of the city, cheered on by spectators, cycling becomes a memorable experience for kids and their families.
The youngest participants, aged two to four, will ride their balance bikes over approximately 100 meters along the official finish line. Children aged five to twelve can look forward to a 200-meter-long finishing stretch. Older children compete in three age groups across multiple sprint races, complete with awards ceremonies and individual prizes. Each child receives a starter pack with a race number and goodie bag at the Bikeleasing.de booth on Hamburg’s Rathausmarkt before the race, and a medal at the finish line as a special keepsake.
The Bikeleasing.de Kids Race will take place on Saturday from 2 to 6 PM. Participation costs €6, with all proceeds going to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. This supports the inclusion project Sit’n Skate, which opens up new opportunities for physical activity for people with disabilities. Registration is now open at bikeleasing.de/kids-race-cyclassics. Participants must bring their own bike and helmet. Please note that the number of race slots is limited.
ADAC Cyclassics to Start in Buxtehude for the First Time
On August 17, the Hamburg Metropolitan Region will become the stage for a cycling day full of premieres: for the first time in its history, the ADAC Cyclassics will start in Lower Saxony. Buxtehude and the district of Stade will welcome the UCI WorldTour peloton to kick off one of Germany’s most prestigious one-day races.
Ten years after the first start outside Hamburg – then in Kiel – the starting gun will once again be fired beyond the Elbe metropolis. Buxtehude will greet the world elite of cycling. All 147 riders will be presented during an official team presentation on the marketplace in the historic town center. Around midday, the race begins – marking the longest Cyclassics edition in the past five years.
From Hanseatic City to Hanseatic City – 207 kilometers through the Hamburg Metropolitan Region
The peloton will first roll slowly through the streets of Buxtehude in a neutral start – up close to the fans. The route heads south to the district border, then runs approximately 30 kilometers through the district of Harburg before entering the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.
A first: from the city limits onward, the professionals will remain continuously within Hamburg. 170 kilometers through the “Active City” – never before has there been so much Hamburg in the Cyclassics.
From Rookie to Finisher – Ready for the ADAC Cyclassics in Just Twelve Weeks
On August 17, Hamburg will once again become a hotspot for cycling: the ADAC Cyclassics will draw thousands of cyclists to the streets of the Hanseatic city. For those with little or no experience in cycling, the Hamburg Cycling Association (Radsport-Verband Hamburg e.V.) is once again offering its well-established Rookie Program this year. In just twelve weeks, participants are specifically prepared for the 60 or 100-kilometer route – no pro equipment or extraordinary fitness required.
Training is set to begin on May 30. Sessions take place three times a week – on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays – with special consideration given to working participants during the week. In addition to classic endurance, strength, and sprint training, the program also includes core and stability exercises as well as sessions on riding technique, group communication, and nutrition. All training units are led by experienced coaches from the association and offer not only a clear structure, but also a strong sense of team spirit and motivation.
“Our program shows just how diverse and vibrant cycling is today: in 2024, the youngest participant was 21, the oldest 74 – and women made up an impressive 55% of the group. One-third of our training time is dedicated specifically to riding safely in a group. Because those who don’t train alone, but practice cornering, braking, and evasive maneuvers as a team, are best prepared to truly enjoy the race. Last year, all of our rookies reached the finish line safely – full of pride, with a medal around their neck and a big smile on their face,” says Frank Robben, Vice President for Competitive and Off-Road Cycling at the Hamburg Cycling Association.
ADAC Cyclassics also inspire in winter: Current rate almost fully booked
On August 17, the ADAC Cyclassics will once again attract more than 10,000 cyclists to Hamburg. The Elbe metropolis provides the backdrop for Germany's biggest cycling event. The 28th edition of the Cyclassics is once again a hit: the entry fees were quickly booked out and only a few starting places are still available in the current PELOTON price category. If you want to take part cheaply in summer, you have to be quick in winter.
The Cyclassics experience currently starts at just 85 euros. However, there are only a few starting places left at this low price, as the current PELOTON rate will soon be sold out. As soon as the contingent is exhausted, registration will switch to the next rate group.
A recommendation for all cycling fans who want to experience more: The DUO rate is the current favorite at the ADAC Cyclassics. Taking part as a pair is more fun, gives a safe feeling and even saves money. If you book two starting places, you get a discount.
Registration for the ADAC Cyclassics 2025 now open
There's a special surprise for all cycling enthusiasts just before Christmas: registration for the ADAC Cyclassics is already open! The next edition of Germany's biggest cycling event will take place on August 17.
The Hamburg race welcomes the ADAC as its new namesake and is once again looking forward to more than 10,000 cyclists in 2025. There are still eight months to go until August 17 - plenty of time to look forward to the Hamburg summer. Those who book early will not only be rewarded with the prospect of a great cycling experience in the Hanseatic city. For a short time only, you can book your starting place at the low entry price of 69 euros. Because behind every price jump in 2025 there is also a limited contingent of starting places.
The "Cyclassics 60" and the "Cyclassics 100" will also be available in 2025. With the two attractive routes, both ambitious regular riders and amateur athletes planning their racing debut will get their money's worth. Closed routes and an unforgettable atmosphere make the ADAC Cyclassics a pleasure. The highlight for everyone is the finale, which awaits in the middle of Hamburg city center after Elbchaussee and Reeperbahn.
ADAC becomes partner of all A.S.O. events Germany
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.
