Chemnitz to host the 2017 German Road Cycling Championships
The city of Chemnitz has been awarded the contract to host the 2017 German Road Cycling Championships. By organising this major sporting event, the city wants to build on the great cycling tradition associated with the city's name. The bid was initiated by the city's two major cycling clubs.
Mayor Barbara Ludwig: "With the German Road Cycling Championships in two years' time, we are looking forward to another major nationally recognised event after the German Music Festival. I am convinced that our city will once again present itself as a modern, likeable and enthusiastic host. With a colourful supporting programme, we want to turn the weekend of the championships into a celebration of cycling in Chemnitz."
President of the German Cycling Federation Rudolf Scharping: "Chemnitz is a friendly city with a great tradition and experience when it comes to cycling. The German Championships will be held in Chemnitz in 2017; the athletes and the entire German Cycling Federation (BDR) are looking forward to it. These championships are the national highlight of German cycling. The elite of women, men and young cyclists will be in Chemnitz. Exciting races are sure to attract enthusiastic spectators."
The city of Chemnitz is hosting the championships from 23 to 25 June 2017 and is being supported by the Chemnitzer Polizeisportverein e.V. and the Radsportverein Chemnitz as well as the Stadtsportbund Chemnitz e.V. in the application, preparation and staging of the event. The clubs are using their experience in the realisation of such cycling races to help with route planning and during the races themselves. A total of five disciplines will be contested for medals at the German Championships.
The city of Chemnitz applied to the German Cycling Federation (BDR) to organise the event in February 2015 and was awarded the contract. A contract between the BDR and the City of Chemnitz was negotiated until the summer and is now ready to be signed. The school and sports committee will decide on the application on 9 September.
The City of Chemnitz estimates the costs for the event at around 150,000 to 200,000 euros. The major sporting event is expected to boost the city's image considerably. In addition to around 350 athletes, there will be almost the same number of accompanying persons. In addition, numerous guests and cycling fans from all over Germany will visit Chemnitz, which will also benefit the city's hotels, restaurants and retailers. In addition, experience has shown that extensive coverage of the German Championships and thus of Chemnitz can be expected in the various media.