Shorter Bayern Rundfahrt

By Susan Westemeyer

"Short and sweet, " is how organiser Ewald Strohmeier describes the 2007 edition of the Bayern Rundfahrt, which will cover only 761 km in five stages from May 30 to June 3. "We have selected a course which fulfills all the requriements of a race in this category, even if it is 20 to 30 kilometer shorter than usual."

The organization noted that it is difficult to select a fair course in Bavaria, and that is purposely avoids the steepest Alpine climbs and exceptionally long stages. The race considers iteself a good preparation for the Tour de France "because it offer the perfect mixture."

The race expects a starting field of 16 teams of six riders each, including the ProTour teams Milram, CSC, T-Mobile, Gerolsteiner, and Astaná.

2007 Bayern Rundfahrt