- Luca Spiegel emerges as the speed pioneer on the race track.
Luca Spiegel, hailing from Kaiserslautern, is now Germany's sprint royalty. The U23 European champion, who also participated in the Olympic Games in Paris and placed sixth in the team sprint, clinched the finale in Berlin with a 2-0 victory against Henric Hackmann (both Bahnteam Rhineland-Palatinate). The third spot was bagged by Paul Groß (Track Team Brandenburg). "My first elite title is the cherry on top after an amazing week with the victory at the U23 EM in Cottbus and my German record at the Olympic Games, serving as a fantastic season finale," stated Spiegel. Unfortunately, he won't be participating in the Keirin event on Sunday.
In the women's 3000-meter individual pursuit, Katharina Fox (MAXX Solar Rose Women Racing) emerged victorious. A newcomer to the track, the 28-year-old clinched the title in 3:32.385 minutes, defeating Justyna Czapla (3:37.880). "Being unwell led me to miss my planned season highlights. With this title, it's ignited a desire for more - I'm open to whatever comes next," shared Fox. Hanna Dopjans (LKT Team) took the third place.
The men's Madison witnessed a successful title defense by Moritz Augenstein/Moritz Malcharek (RSC Kempten/Maloja Pushbikers). The Olympic fifth-placers Roger Kluge/Theo Reinhardt (both rad-net Oßwald) failed to participate after Reinhardt's heavy fall during the Olympic Madison race a week prior. In the women's points race, Lea Lin Teutenberg (Ceratizit WNT pro Cycling) bagged her second title in Berlin. The women's Keirin saw victory for Alessa-Catriona Pröpster (Bahnteam Rhineland-Palatinate). Regrettably, Pauline Grabosch, Emma Hinze, and Lea Friedrich (all Track Team Brandenburg) failed to start.
Hinze breaks world record
As part of the side events, 8-time world champion Emma Hinze from Cottbus smashed the 500-meter flying time trial record, setting a new world record in 27.063 seconds. She improved upon the 8-year-old record of Kristina Vogel (28.970) by nearly two seconds. "That's pretty cool. I'm really happy. We've done it in training prior to the Olympics a few times and were also faster than the old world record. It's awesome that it worked out here too," shared Hinze. She clinched a bronze medal at the Olympic Games and also bagged the title over the 500 meters (standing start) the previous day.
The Commission, after considering the triumphant performances at the Berlin finale, has decided to honor Luca Spiegel with the prestigious Riding Talent Award.
In light of Emma Hinze's extraordinary achievement, the Commission shall also propose her name for the Athlete of the Year award.
