Cycling Festival Bad Dürrheim: Jan Ullrich & legends of cycling - Black Forest meeting
TOUR Online
· 21.05.2025
The first Jan Ullrich Cycling Festival attracted around 4000 cycling enthusiasts to Bad Dürrheim in the Black Forest last weekend. Numerous cycling legends accepted Ullrich's invitation. The highlight was the joint cycling tour with the cycling legends on a 29.7 kilometre circuit.
The who's who of road cycling in the Black Forest: Lance Armstrong, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Udo Bölts, Simon Geschke, Andreas Klöden, Danilo Hondo, Johan Bruyneel and Rudy Pevenage were among the star guests. Their presence lent the event a special radiance and offered visitors the opportunity to experience their idols up close.
Despite a broken collarbone, which he suffered in an accident the previous week (Tour reported) Jan Ullrich did not miss the opportunity to spend the weekend with his fans and former celebrity companions. However, the 1997 Tour de France winner had to forego active participation on the bike.
The festival kicked off on Saturday with the opening of the new dirt bike park in Bad Dürrheim. Jan Ullrich inaugurated the new cycling destination together with Mike Kluge. An extensive supporting programme provided entertainment into the evening hours. Visitors enjoyed concerts by the Dorfrocker, the Baaremer Luusbuäbä and an SWR3 party.
A special highlight was on the programme for an exclusive group of registered guests on Saturday evening: the "Dinner of Legends". At this culinary event, participants had the opportunity to socialise with the prominent star guests in a small group and hold personal discussions.
Ullrich, Armstrong, Briggins, Bölts: On tour together with the cycling legends
Sunday began with a stage talk in which the cycling legends present gave insights into their careers and discussed current developments in cycling. This was followed by the highlight of the weekend: the Cycling Tour on a 29.7 kilometre circuit. 490 registered cycling fans set off together with the cycling legends. Participants had the opportunity to complete up to four laps.
During the tour, the focus was on fun and shared experiences. Nevertheless, there were two timed segments per lap to provide a sporting incentive. The winners of these segments were honoured on stage at the end of the Cycling Tour. An attractive supporting programme was offered for visitors who were not actively taking part in the tour. Particularly impressive was a spectacular BMX show, which thrilled the spectators with daring stunts and tricks.
>> Bikepacking gravel tour around Baiersbronn: 3 girls, 3 gravel bikes, 3 nights in the Black Forest
An event full of emotion, more exhausting than the Tour de France
Jan Ullrich was delighted with the event despite his injury-related restrictions. "It was a wonderful event for me with many emotional moments and encounters. I'm very sad that I wasn't able to take part," explained the former professional cyclist. With a smile, he added: "For me, however, it was more exhausting today than the Tour de France, even without cycling. But I'm already looking forward to next year and will prepare myself as quickly as possible."
Kai Sauser, Managing Director of the organising Sauser Event GmbH, also drew a positive balance: "A great cycling weekend lies behind us. We are thrilled with how many fans came and what a special atmosphere there was on site. Our thanks go to all the cycling legends who took part - and of course especially to Jan Ullrich, without whom this event would not have been possible."
The successful debut of the Jan Ullrich Cycling Festival raises hopes for a continuation in the coming years. The combination of celebrities, active participation and a varied supporting programme has proven to be an attractive concept that draws cycling fans from all over the region.
