In Germany, the race national championships road race folded on a challenging course between Donaueschingen and Bad Dürrheim this afternoon. As the event progressed, heavy rain set in, further testing the riders. On one of the final climbs, Franziska Koch seized the moment, breaking away with a select group of three to contest the win.
Franziska Koch emerged as the new German road champion, outpacing Liane Lippert and Antonia Niedermaier in a thrilling three-up sprint. Koch’s victory denied Lippert her third successive title and fourth overall, with Lippert settling for silver after being surprised by Koch’s early sprint from 300 metres out.
Koch described the race as tough and strategic. “It was a tough race, and I tried to play it smart and use my energy at the right moments. I knew where Liane would attack and just rode at my own pace on the climb. The three of us came back together and decided to ride together towards the finish. There were a few attacks, but the parcours didn’t really favour an attack to get away. On the finishing straight, I launched my sprint early with 300 metres to go and could hold the gap until the line. I am unbelievably happy with the win; it’s a dream come true.”
The decisive move formed on the climb to Öfingen with 15km remaining. Koch and Niedermaier were the only ones able to match Lippert’s fierce acceleration. This trio had broken away from a front group of around a dozen riders who had been leading with about 70km left in the race.
Once Lippert, Koch, and Niedermaier established their breakaway, it became clear they would contest the medals, as the chasing group fragmented during the approach to the finish.
Despite attempts to break the group on the final ascent of Aasen, the trio remained together, leading to a sprint finish. Lippert, the favourite, was outmanoeuvred by Koch’s well-timed long-range sprint, securing Koch’s first professional win.
Further down the field, Linda Riedmann broke away from the chasers to claim fourth place, finishing a minute behind the leading trio. Romy Kasper managed to beat Hannah Ludwig to take fifth place.
2024 German National Road Race Championship Women result
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Main photo credit: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
