The 201.5km race is scheduled this Wednesday.
It may not be among the oldest races in the World Tour, but it’s one of the most prestigious to be held in Germany, won by the likes of Jean Stablinski, Barry Hoban, Eddy Merckx and Freddy Maertens. The beauty of Eschborn-Frankfurt – which this year will be running its 61st edition – is that it brings in the mix different riders, from sprinters to baroudeurs and from puncheurs to climbers, all thanks to its route.
Despite being just 2.3 kilometers long and being tackled on just two occasions, the last time with almost 40 kilometers to go, the famous Mammolshain climb has the potential to bring the race to life and turn it on its head, as was the case several times this century, when the fast men’s plans went up in smoke on its tough gradients. It could happen again this year, but it will all depend on a number of factors, from the wind in that final part of the race to how the peloton will organise itself for the chase after the top.
Soudal Quick-Step will be present in Germany with a strong team comprising Ayco Bastiaens, Gil Gelders, Yves Lampaert, Paul Magnier – a winner of two races in his first months as a pro rider – Fausto Masnada, Pepijn Reinderink and Warre Vangheluwe.
“We are happy to return to the start of Eschborn-Frankfurt, a beautiful race where we had some good results in the past. The team for this first World Tour event of May is a young one, but we hope for a solid outing on Wednesday and a nice result at the end of the day”, said sports director Wilfried Peeters.
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