A reader from Germany submitted this local race report of a fun BMX-style twist to cyclocross. The organizers called the event the Cyclocross Eliminator, and it featured heat-based racing similar to that used in BMX. There was even a raised BMX-style start.
by Michael Degenkolb
REICHENBACH, Germany—It’s 6:30 p.m. on Saturday night and the top four riders in the Cyclocross Eliminator Tournament blast off the start line to thunderous applause in the “Park of the Generations.” The voice of announcer Conrad rings out in the park as the last riders standing head out onto the course.
The Cyclocross Eliminator featured a BMX-style start. 2017 Cyclocross Eliminator, Reichenbach, Germany. © Vogtland Bike e.V.. 2017 Cyclocross Eliminator, Reichenbach, Germany. © Vogtland Bike e.V.
Wheel to wheel, elbow to elbow, the fastest racers from the preliminary rounds dueling up to the finish line. What a show!
Riders put on a show for the gathered crowd. 2017 Cyclocross Eliminator, Reichenbach, Germany. © Vogtland Bike e.V.
The Cyclocross Eliminator Tournament was organized by the Vogtland Bike e.V. and Biehler Sportswear. The result was a successful biking spectacle they are hoping to bring back next year.
The racing was intense and the excitement for the event was high. 2017 Cyclocross Eliminator, Reichenbach, Germany. © Vogtland Bike e.V.
The format of the Eliminator was simple, win your heat and advance. Whether hobby bikers or licensees, there were plenty of surprises and all-out sprint strength was important. The quarterfinals and semifinals crystallized the fastest cyclocross drivers for the finals.
The course featured a sand pit and much more. 2017 Cyclocross Eliminator, Reichenbach, Germany. © Vogtland Bike e.V.
The two-kilometer course covered meadow terraces, sandpits, stairs and bridges and unusual wooden obstacles.
Stairs were another feature on the course. 2017 Cyclocross Eliminator, Reichenbach, Germany. © Vogtland Bike e.V.
The truck crossing, which traversed the rear of a semi-trailer was very popular.
The part of the course that went through a semi-trailer was popular. 2017 Cyclocross Eliminator, Reichenbach, Germany. © Vogtland Bike e.V.
At the end of the day, local Markus Werner from Vogtland Bike e.V. and the ’cross specialist Toni Bretschneider were the top two finishers. In a gripping finish, Bretschneider pushed through to win by a few wheel lengths.
There was unanimous positive feedback from the cyclocross drivers as well as representatives from the city of Reichenbach. The organizers were excited about the success of the event. “A new race, with a new format in a new place is always something special. I think we have done a great job and the great encouragement of the riders confirms us to stick to this format,” said Derrick Schönfelder, who is hoping for a repeat in the coming year.
Organizers were happy the day featured mostly ups and not many downs. 2017 Cyclocross Eliminator, Reichenbach, Germany. © Vogtland Bike e.V.
In the afternoon, the Junior bikers took their turn in the KidsRace. After the day of racing, members of the participating teams helped take down the course. As the excitement from the day still lingered, folks were praiseworthy of the event and already ready to race it again next year.
