Road closure signs are already up: Here's how to get through Dresden on Sunday despite the bike race
Dresden. Race through the Old Town just like the pros - on Sunday, August 9, 2026, this will become a reality for amateur athletes at the Velorace Dresden, a bike race open to everyone. The 17-kilometer circuit takes riders past the city’s most beautiful spots: around the Frauenkirche, past the Zwinger and the Großer Garten, all the way to the Blaues Wunder bridge. The grand finale is an almost four-kilometer-long home stretch along the Elbe - with a view of the Old Town skyline.
From 17 to 102 kilometers: an overview of the routes
Those who want to take it easy can do just one lap. More ambitious participants will complete the closed-off course multiple times, covering 34, 51, or even 102 kilometers. There’s something for every skill level - from beginners to well-trained road cyclists.
Road Closures This Weekend: What Drivers Need to Know
To ensure cyclists have a clear path, road closures are necessary on both days of the weekend. It all kicks off on Friday, August 7: Starting at 12 p.m., the Hasenberg intersection and Devrienstraße will be closed for the setup of the start and finish areas - expected to last until Sunday evening. Race day itself, on August 9, will bring road closures in the city center from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Detours: How to Get Through Anyway
Drivers will therefore need to adjust their plans, but they can still get through the city: The Marienbrücke and Waldschlößchenbrücke will remain open to traffic heading toward the Old Town. Those heading to Neustadt will be routed across the Albert Bridge via a controlled passage. St. Petersburger Straße remains fully open toward the south. At several intersections, passage is time-limited and restricted. If you’re planning your route in detail, you can find the road closures at stadtplan.dresden.de; All information about the race is available at www.velorace-dresden.de.
