After the UCI has upgraded the German Rund um Köln event to the Hors Categorie (HC) status, the race has taken "an important step in the direction of the ProTour, the 'Champion's league' of cycling", said the race organisers.
"This is an honor for our classic race and an acknowledgement of our hard work the last years," Artur Tabat said, who also thanked his main sponsor, DEVK Versicherung, an inurance company, for increased support.
Tabat believes an improved start list for his race - traditionally held on Easter Monday, and set down for April 9 - will attract more ProTour teams. Meanwhile, the German racing scene will be well represented, with Gerolsteiner, Milram, T-Mobile and Wiesenhof-Felt all having already agreed to participate.
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
