Both race 1, held on Saturday in Lützelbach, Hesse, and race 2 in Bensheim on Sunday were internationally and very strongly contested, with many top-class riders from Belgium, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, Poland and Switzerland using the races for extended season preparation for the coming World Cup season.
The opening race of the 2022/23 Cyclocross National League season was held on Saturday as part of the 4 Bikes Festival. Wet and slippery track conditions presented the riders with special challenges and offered a first taste of the season's races.
In the Elite Men's category, it was STEVENS Racing Team rider and multiple and reigning German Cyclocross Champion Marcel Meisen who had a great start to the season with a great early form and a victory. But also the STEVENS Racing Team youngsters in the Elite field knew how to set the scene. Luca Bockelmann (22nd) as well as the U23 riders Louis Krauss (26th), Fynn Termin (27th) and Niklas Behrens (28th) were all able to collect Bundesliga points.
In the Elite Women's race it was Aniek van Alphen (Team 777) from the Netherlands who took a good 2nd place behind winner Marie Schreiber from Luxembourg. Stefanie Paul from the STEVENS Racing Team finished the race in 20th place.
The Masters riders Stefan Danowski and Jens Schwedler also had a great start to the new season. While Stefan took the victory, Jens completed the podium with a 3rd place.
Race 2 of the Cyclocross Bundesliga was then held on Sunday in Bensheim, a good 60 kilometres away, and offered completely different basic conditions with dry and hot weather conditions.
In the Elite Men's race, Saturday's winner Marcel Meisen finished in a good 2nd place, just one second behind winner Niels Vandeputte, to secure valuable World Cup points. The STEVENS Racing Team youngsters in the Elite field also grabbed Bundesliga points once again with Louis Krauss in 21st, Luca Bockelmann in 24th, Fynn Termin in 32nd and Niklas Behrens in 38th.
In the Elite Women's race it was again Anniek van Alphen who confirmed her good form from Saturday and took home a 2nd place behind Saturday’s winner, Marie Schreiber. Stefanie Paul improved her result from race 1 with a 12th place and is now sitting in 15th place overall with 114 points.
In the Masters 3 race, German Champion, Stefan Danowski got the season off to a flying start and took another victory. The Masters World Champion and sporting director of the STEVENS Racing Team, Jens Schwedler, finished the race in 3rd place after a spirited chase.
In the Elite Women's race it was Aniek van Alphen (Team 777) from the Netherlands who took a good 2nd place behind winner Marie Schreiber from Luxembourg. Stefanie Paul from the STEVENS Racing Team finished the race in 20th place.
The Masters riders Stefan Danowski and Jens Schwedler also had a great start to the new season. While Stefan took the victory, Jens completed the podium with a 3rd place.
Race 2 of the Cyclocross Bundesliga was then held on Sunday in Bensheim, a good 60 kilometres away, and offered completely different basic conditions with dry and hot weather conditions.
In the Elite Men's race, Saturday's winner Marcel Meisen finished in a good 2nd place, just one second behind winner Niels Vandeputte, to secure valuable World Cup points. The STEVENS Racing Team youngsters in the Elite field also grabbed Bundesliga points once again with Louis Krauss in 21st, Luca Bockelmann in 24th, Fynn Termin in 32nd and Niklas Behrens in 38th.
In the Elite Women's race it was again Anniek van Alphen who confirmed her good form from Saturday and took home a 2nd place behind Saturday’s winner, Marie Schreiber. Stefanie Paul improved her result from race 1 with a 12th place and is now sitting in 15th place overall with 114 points.
In the Masters 3 race, German Champion, Stefan Danowski got the season off to a flying start and took another victory. The Masters World Champion and sporting director of the STEVENS Racing Team, Jens Schwedler, finished the race in 3rd place after a spirited chase.
Images: Amin M. Küstenbrück / archive
