Aachen is gearing up for the most diverse cycling event in Europe and Germany's first official gravel race. Björn Müller, General Manager of the 3RIDES, announced the latest information on safety precautions and the prominent rider field at a press conference in the CHIO grounds in Aachen on Tuesday, May 9th. "We've seen a rush for entry slots at our race over the past few days," says Björn Müller, "and we're especially honored that even top stars have registered online and paid as normal."
Björn Müller was thus able to announce that at the 3RIDES a group of world-class athletes will lead the competition over seven or four laps of 18.5 kilometers. Gianni Vermeersch (Belgium) has recently signed up as the first world champion of the gravel discipline for the competition in Aachen and will meet top riders such as André Greipel (professional until 2001, most successful professional cyclist in German history), Mieke Kröger (track Olympic champion), Marcel Meisen (7 times German champion cross, 1 time German champion road), Ivar Slik (winner in 2022 at the most prestigious gravel race, Unbound), Lorena Wiebes (Netherlands, currently second in the world rankings). A total of more than 1,100 starters will take to the course on Saturday from 9 a.m., ranging from ambitious hobby riders to the runner-up in the 19-34 age group, Finja Smekal from Cologne.
Traffic information on closures and restrictions
Björn Müller also provided information on Tuesday about traffic restrictions and rules that will apply in Aachen and the surrounding area over the weekend. The detours that will guide traffic around the site over the weekend have already been signposted. Detours and closures are already signposted. This is especially true on the Aachen-Würselen route (detour U9 to B57). North of the CHIO, there will be a single lane closure of Soerser Weg on Saturday, with traffic lights regulating access for residents of Kohlscheid-Berensberg. Closures will also be in place on Saturday between Berensberg and Rumpen; the extension from Berensberg to Richterich will also be closed. Residents of Rumpen can reach Aachen via Teuterhof (Schweilbacher Straße) or west of the competition area. Pedestrians, cyclists and public transport can cross the route, the police regulate the traffic; the bus service comes through between Rumpen and Berensberg during this time, but there may be delays. Details of the traffic on Saturday.
Zoe Wees on Saturday evening - free admission with wristband
Zoe Wees from Hamburg, multi-platinum and gold award-winning musician, is currently working on the next milestone of her career after a successful start in studio music. Having already amassed more than two billion streams worldwide, she has also been in the live business since 2022. Last year, Zoe Wees performed on her "European Tour" for fans in her home country of Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Luxembourg, England and Switzerland. Their performance in Aachen is part of their 2023 Summer Festival appearances - and the organizers are offering Aacheners free admission. Access to the concert area is limited, and wristbands will be available on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the event grounds at the information tent.
Three days event in May
The 3RIDES event will run from May 12 to 14 at the CHIO grounds in Aachen and will feature a large cycling and adventure exhibition as well as a program focus on e-sports. Interested people get information about new bikes and everyday mobility. Music and art are just as much a part of the three-day program as racing bike marathons, in which participants explore the scenic and sporty surroundings of the Unesco World Cultural Heritage Aachen Cathedral.
