Endangered German Classic gets a big boost from Skoda
There is finally some good cycling related news coming out of Germany. Following a long string of bad developments ranging from yet another race folding to nearly all high level teams shutting their doors, the May 1st Classic, Rund um den Finanzplatz Eschborn-Frankfurt (formerly known as Rund um den Henninger Turm) looks to have its future secured heading into next season.
According to the Frankfurter Neue Presse, the race, which was only previously tenuously held together by the collective assistance of the cities Frankfurt and Eschborn, looks to have a sponsor for 2011. Czech car manufacturer, Skoda, has stepped in to ensure the race’s future. According to the Frankurter Neu Presse’s sources, the amount of money is not enough to become title sponsor of the race, but it’s enough to ensure the race’s future, not only for 2011, but beyond.
It is a huge development for the German classic, as the last two seasons have seen the race on the verge of collapse. Skoda’s sponsorship will be a welcome change in a dark and gloomy German cycling climate. Perhaps it will be a turning point in the downward spiral. At some point, the horizon will brighten for German cycling. At the bare minimum, at least the Rund um den Finanzplatz Frankfurt-Eschborn won’t be another casualty to the German cycling depression.
This coming May’s edition will mark the 50th running of the race. Fabian Wegmann has won the past two editions.