Radprofi Georg Zimmermann won the German road bike championship for the first time.
In high summer temperatures, the driver’s field had already gone to the 197.5 kilometer circuit around the Rhineland-Palatinate village of Linden around 12:15 p.m. After just a few meters, the Ravensburg co -favorite Emanuel Buchmann (Cofidis) had to serve again – a defect in his bike forced the former fourth place of the Tour de France for a short break. Fortunately, the sharp start at this time had not yet officially took place, after some confusion in the peloton due to the leadership vehicle that had driven out too early, the race management braked the drivers again after the first climb and neutralized the race again. Buchmann quickly found back into the main field after his shock second. Nevertheless, the chaos had caused some resentment in the driver field at the start.
After around 17 kilometers, the first outlist group came together to soon take out a round of minute. Jonathan Rottmann and Jermaine Zemke (both Rembe-Rad-Net), Ian Kings (Visma-Lease A Bike Development), Tobias Nolde (Benotti-Berthold) and Heiko Homrighausen (Embrace the World) kept the gap constant for a long time. A pace sharpening by Nils Politt (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) then ensured the merger 148 kilometers before the finish.
Many tests without success
As a result, a lively race developed with many tests, which were repeatedly parried and countered from the main field. A really promising top group didn’t want to find itself for a long time.
It took up to 57 kilometers before the finish line before a group of six around the co-favorites Buchmann and Maximilian Schachmann (Soudal Quick-Step) were able to settle. The sextet was completed by Anton Schiffer (Bike Aid), Tim Torn Teutenberg (Lidl-Trek), Nico Denz and Jonas Koch (both Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe). The latter three could soon no longer go with the high pace at the top. Buchmann, Schachmann and Schiffer therefore went to the remaining 30 kilometers as a trio.
The decision is made on the last round
Nothing changed at the racing tip in the following kilometers. The pursuers did not get closer, the three leaders, on the other hand, initially made no institutions to attack each other.
The decision should be made on the last round. Buchmann, which was tightened at an increase, barely noticeable 18 kilometers before the finish line. Schachmann, who had previously been very active, had significantly problems with the pace sharpening. Schiffer, on the other hand, held the rear wheel of the Ravensburg. Almost at the same time, a chasing group around Lennard Kämna (Lidl-Trek), Felix Engelhardt (Team Jayco Alula), Florian Stork (Tudor) and Georg Zimmermann (Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux) increased.
Persection for Kämna and Zimmermann position the top group
The lead of the leadership duo did not last long. Shortly after the end of the climb, Maximilian Schachmann was overtaken by the pursuers, shortly afterwards the quartet also caught up with the leadership duo – the German champion should arise from the resulting group of six. Schachmann could no longer follow and fell back.
The last ten kilometers were characterized by short attacks to drive away from the top group several times, but were put together by their opponents. In the end, the sextet drove to the last climb.
There the Ulm Engelhardt tried his luck. With an explosive start, the 24-year-old tried to force the preliminary decision. Buchmann could no longer follow and fell back, Engelhardt continued to press the pace and managed to tear a gap with Zimmermann on the rear wheel. With a lead of a few seconds, the two went to the home straight. There Georg Zimmermann then had his nose in front and was allowed to tear his arms up. The German championship title 2025 went to Augsburg.
Georg Zimmermann fulfills a dream
“I always wanted to win a Tour-de France stage, I always wanted to take part in the Olympic Games and I always wanted to be a German champion,” the winner said after the race at the SWR microphone. “I covered 33 percent of my goals today,” the 27-year-old grinned mischievously.
At the upcoming Tour de France, the Augsburg could already add another 33 percent – even in the jersey of the German champion.
