Koch Wins German Cycling Championship Again — Jan Ullrich Helps His Son

Cyclist Franziska Koch impressively cemented her strong season so far by winning her third consecutive German road cycling championship title in the Thuringian Forest. The Paris-Roubaix winner claimed victory in the presence of cycling icon Jan Ullrich after a race of just under 107 kilometers around the small town of Bad Liebenstein. The 25-year-old had already celebrated winning the time trial championship title on Friday.

Koch prevailed over Liane Lippert in a thrilling final sprint. Justyna Czapla, who had ridden alone in the lead for nearly 65 kilometers, finished third. Her strong solo breakaway was only stopped on the final lap. 

Ullrich with a Special Mission

Race observer Ullrich, the only German Tour de France winner, traveled to the championships for his son. His son competed in the U17 race and finished 16th. “I provided support for my son,” Ullrich told MDR. The heat didn’t bother the former pro. “I’ve always really liked it,” the 52-year-old said about the weather.

Despite the high temperatures, there were no major changes on the part of the organizers. Only the aid stations were removed, so water and gels could be obtained anywhere along the course.

Crash on the Course

However, the women’s race could not start until a little later because a junior rider had crashed during a youth race earlier. As a spokeswoman told the German Press Agency upon inquiry, the young man was taken to a hospital but did not suffer any life-threatening injuries.

On Sunday (start at 12:45 p.m.), it’s the men’s turn, and they’ll have to cover a total of 191.1 kilometers. Last year, Georg Zimmermann from Augsburg won the race in the Palatinate.