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Veterans Cup 2009 in Weilheim: A trip to Upper Bavaria

This year, scheduling caused difficulties. The Veterans' Cup could not take place in Weiterstadt, so we had to look for another venue. After contacting several clubs, I decided in favour of Weilheim in Upper Bavaria. The track is of a high technical standard and has already hosted major races, such as the German Championships in 2006. When I asked Andreas T.h.e.d.o.r.f.f from the Weilheim club to organise the Veterans' Cup, he was immediately willing to give us the platform for the race. Many thanks to the Weilheim BMX team for the friendly welcome and the very professional and problem-free organisation of the race.

This year, 25 veterans came to Weilheim to race their old-school bikes. As in previous years, in addition to the veteran class, in which racers with all bikes and clothing can take part, a special old-school class was also organised this year, in which only riders with bikes and jerseys from the 80s and 90s can take part. 14 veterans took part in the 15th Cup for the first time, which shows that the veteran scene is still growing. One of the "newcomers" was an old acquaintance that I know almost every old school racer in Germany: Martin G.s.c.h.w.e.n.d.n.e.r. I was very pleased to be able to welcome him at the start this year, especially as he has not forgotten anything about cycling apart from extremely beautiful old Profile bikes and outfits. There will be more to say about Martin later on, but read for yourself below ...

Another old acquaintance has finally managed to take part again after 9 years: Dirk H.a.y.n.b.e.r.g from Düsseldorf is back on track! After a few years off, Dirk rocked the track again this year. After his old Phase II bike was stolen in Düsseldorf's old town centre, he hadn't been able to find a comparable frame that he could handle just as well for years. This year, Ebay made it possible for someone from the USA to sell the exact same Phase II that he had back then. Add a few old-school parts and a few hours of polishing and the bike was almost as good as new. And Dirk did very well after so many years of abstinence; he made it to the final of the oldschoolers! Congratulations!

The fastest eight finalists for the veteran class were determined in two preliminary groups. A few racers competed in both classes, both in the veteran and the old school class. And three of them were in both finals: Joerg A.r.n.o.l.d, Rini W.e.n.d.t and Helmut A.d.e.l.s.b.e.r.g.e.r. Respect to these guys, you pulled off eight runs!

Then came the final of the oldie class. Last year, Stephan P.r.a.n.t.l won the Oldie Cup. As Stephan was not at the start in Weilheim, there should be a new winner here too. Guido H.a.n.n.i.c.h, Andreas B.a.y.r, and Ralf M.a.u.r.i.t.z all had a good start, but after the first bend Ralf was able to pull away and did not relinquish the lead until the finish. Andreas and Guido battled it out for second place, which Andreas secured for himself in the end. After second place last year, Guido is back on the podium in third place. Jörg and Rini were also in the final last year, but due to the double start in the veteran and old school class, they are no longer quite as lively and end up in 5th and 7th place respectively. Dirk, who is making his comeback after almost 10 years, not only makes it to the final, but even achieves a respectable 6th place. Helmut A.d.e.l.s.b.e.r.g.e.r also made it into both finals, but his strength failed him a little and he finished eighth in the Oldschool Cup, just like in the Veterans' Cup. Nevertheless, great respect for Helmut! The final ranking of the Oldie Cup was as follows: 1st Ralf M.a.u.r.i.t.z. (#3), 2nd Andreas B.a.y.r (#46), 3rd Guido H.a.n.n.i.c.h (#2), 4th Massimo V.a.l.l.o (#70), 5th Jörg A.r.n.o.l.d (#145), 6. Dirk H.a.y.n.b.e.r.g (#40), 7. Rini W.e.n.d.t (#167), 8. Helmut A.d.e.l.s.b.e.r.g.e.r (#69).

At the grand finale, the King of Oldschool was honoured. This year, Martin Gschwendner with his two Profile bikes (20- and 24-inch) was clearly declared the winner. He had managed to keep both treasures from the 80s in their original condition and brought them through the years in top condition. They looked like new! He also showed up in his original old Profile gear, which rounded off the victory. Second place went to Jörg Arnold, who, like every year, made a stylish appearance with his Hutch Cruiser and Hutch Factory outfit from the 80s. Finally, third place went to Thomas Greis with a very nice 20-inch Skyway bike including black tuffs, as well as a classic jersey and JT trousers.

To summarise: there were no serious crashes, no serious injuries, lots of fun and many familiar faces to be seen. The 15th edition of the Veterans' Cup was once again a complete success. The Weilheim track was very good to ride and a great stage for the old-schoolers. Many thanks to the Weilheim BMX team for the friendly welcome and the good organisation of the race. My special thanks again this year go to the sponsors who have faithfully supported us with donations in kind and financial help for many years. These include Dieter S.c.h.a.d.o.w.s.k.i from Rainers Bike Shop, Wolfgang F.r.i.t.s.c.h.e.r from Rabbit BMX and Oliver K.i.e.n.z.l.e from Oldschool BMX. The Veterans' Cup has become a firm institution, attracting many oldschoolers from all over Germany every year. We will be organising another Veterans' Cup in 2010, once again in Weiterstadt. I'm already looking forward to next year and the 16th Veterans' Cup.
I hope to see you there again.
See you in 2010, Ralf