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No traffic jams, no hassle finding a parking space – just ice-cold snacks for the journey. The bike is the ideal way to get to the fan zones for the World Cup. Now all that’s missing is the perfect look for both your outfit and your bike.
It’s that time of year again: the whole of Germany is embracing one another, complete strangers, drunk with joy, are pouring litres of white beer over each other’s heads without coming to blows – and the motorcade is already clogging up the city centre three hours before kick-off. If you’re smart, you’ll hop on your bike. After all, cycling to the public viewing has nothing but advantages: you won’t get stuck in traffic, finding a parking space takes a few seconds rather than hours, and you’ll have practically worked off that first cold drink on the way there.
But just setting off like that? A beginner’s mistake! If you want to join in with a group football viewing session, you’ll need the right kit. After all, you’ll need to show your colours, carry your food and drink, and make it back safely to your own bed after the match – even in the dark – ideally on your own bike. What do you need? Depending on your requirements, this ranges from a football kit in your country’s colours to portable fridges and the ultimate anti-theft protection.
For that fan look in the saddle
Bicycle flag
Admittedly, the black, red and gold colours in an allotment garden or on the lapels of AfD local politicians often leave a bitter aftertaste. On a bike on the way to a public viewing, however, the flag is an expression of collective enthusiasm – and just as essential as the foxtail once was on the Opel Manta. Price: approx. 4 euros >> available here.
Fan's fisherman's hat
It actually fits quite well into the ‘allotment garden’ category too (and has no doubt been spotted at the AfD party conference), but in the context of the World Cup, it’s not an accessory that makes you cringe on someone else’s behalf – it’s an absolute classic of fan culture. What’s more: it’s absolutely essential at the current 36 degrees, looks extremely sporty (hello, fishing!) and hides any helmet-induced hair mess. Price: approx. 15 euros >> available here.
World Cup Trophy Water Bottle
Just under 20 euros for a bit of printed plastic? Sure, the licence fees – FIFA’s taking a hefty swig from the bottle, so to speak. The upside: with every sip, you’ve got the World Cup trophy right in front of you and can dream of winning it. At least until the round of 16, where, as we all know, we’ll be run over by Mbappé, Olise, Dembélé and Doué. Price: approx. 17 euros >> available here.
Adidas Germany home shirt
No, this garment doesn’t say ‘Prada’ or ‘Gucci’ on it; this piece of fabric, which costs 100 euros, is from Adidas. It may look like a Peruvian poncho, but what true fan would turn up at a public viewing without the original? Price: approx. 99.99 euros >> available here.
Decathlon picnic blanket
It’s simply uncomfortable to sit on the bare tarmac. What’s more, after the final whistle, this little gem serves a much more important purpose: it’s the perfect place to lie down and sleep off the euphoria of victory – and sober up until you’re fit to drive. Price: approx. 12 euros >> available here.
Spray fan
When the national team manager gets his tactics wrong yet again, Antonio Rüdiger knocks his opponent off his feet, or Joshua Kimmich is left panting in Kilian Mbappé’s wake, your pulse races and you’re at risk of heat exhaustion. This handy mist fan cools both emotions and body temperature right back down. Price: approx. 26 euros >> available here.
77designz Bottle Cap Ahead Cap
Forget those outrageously expensive lightweight carbon fibre parts! This is the only real way to customise your cockpit and show your true colours. You can slot the bottle cap of your choice onto this cap. Price: approx. 10 euros >> available here.
Handy transport aids for drinks and snacks
Bicycle basket
A frame bag on a stylish carbon bike – that’s a clever bit of kit. It’s just a shame the Augustiner six-pack doesn’t fit in it. A generously sized bike basket, on the other hand, can hold all your essential Fanfest gear: vuvuzela, a black-red-gold make-up bag, sun cream and, of course, the beer tray. And even if we’ve been knocked out by France in the round of 16, the basket will still come in handy for the next Father’s Day outing. Price: approx. 35 euros >> available here.
Klickfix Vario Rack Universal Carrier
Admittedly, taking a football to the fan festival might not be the most obvious idea. But look at it this way: if your team are struggling on the big screen yet again, you can simply take centre stage on the fan zone and distract the crowds from the depressing action on the big screen with some spectacular juggling displays. Price: approx. 52 euros >> available here.
Quechua Cooler Bag
A warm beer is the ultimate punishment for any football fan. This rucksack keeps your drinks ice-cold, is comfortable to carry on your back and doubles as a pillow when you’re relaxing on the supporters’ lawn until you’re fit to drive home again. Price: approx. 25 euros >> available here.
VonBueren ice packs
Of course, you’ll also need these ice-cold bodyguards. They make sure the minced meat rolls don’t crawl away, despite the heat from the oven. Price: approx. 13 euros (set) >> available here.
Protection against theft
Kryptonite Evolution 790 folding lock
Cycling to the Fanfest on a Specialized S-Works isn’t generally the best idea. If you’re not going to let that stop you, then at least pack this Kyptonite lock. This lock is tougher than Antonio Rüdiger and Jonatan Tah put together. Price: approx. 87 euros >> available here.
Apple AirTag
So you did take your S-Works with you after all? And the Kryptonite’s just left the fancy carbon wheel chained to the lamppost? Then you’d probably been out on the town quite a bit beforehand. Never mind, because you were surely clever enough to hide an Apple AirTag on the bike. Now you can use your smartphone to track your S-Works’ journey all the way from the motorway to the Balkans. Price: approx. 26 euros >> available here.
For a safe journey home
Livall Evo21 cycling helmet
Important for getting to and from the fan zone: a helmet. But not just any helmet. With this light-up buoy on your head, you’ll look like Munich’s Allianz Arena from a distance. It protects you, stands out, and draws “oohs and aahs…” from passers-by. Price: approx. 98 euros >> available here.
Neon yellow BTWIN rain jacket
For that beer shower in the midst of the festival frenzy, please do leave this rain jacket in your rucksack – anything else would be embarrassing and unworthy of a true fan. When a proper thunderstorm hits, you can pull on that neon-yellow jacket. But be careful not to get confused: if complete strangers shove their empty chip cones into your hands, take the jacket off again. Price: approx. 28 euros >> available here.
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
