Rund um Köln (UCI 1.1) was BORA – hansgrohe’s second race of the season on home soil. On a hard and hilly 201km long circuit around the city of Cologne, the pre-selection took place already after 50km. On the first passage of the Agathaberg, a group of 40 riders, including all BORA – hansgrohe riders, went clear from the peloton. An attack by Maximilian Schachmann was neutralised at 22km from the finish. After another acceleration in the front group, a bunch of 14 riders, containing Nils Politt, Danny van Poppel and Maximilian Schachmann, arrived together at the 3km mark. Cologne local and last year’s winner Nils Politt prepared the finale for his teammate Danny van Poppel, who sprinted to his first victory in the BORA – hansgrohe colors.
Result
01 D. Van Poppel 4:24:54
02 M. Menten +0:00
03 J. De Buyst +0:00
08 N. Politt +0:00
From the Finish Line
“It was a really close sprint and right after the finish line I wasn’t quite sure if it was really enough to grab the win. I had cramps in the last few kilometers, but Nils Politt prepared the sprint perfectly, so I just had to give everything until the line. I am very happy about this victory – we worked a lot for it today! I think we were the strongest team here and made the most of our opportunities.“ Danny van Poppel
“The aim was to make the race hard and to be prepared for all scenarios. The boys worked hard and showed an outstanding team performance. It was a thriller up to the final and we are very happy about defending the title at Rund um Köln. Congratulations to the boys and also to the staff!“ Christian Pömer, Sports Director
