gran fondo races
on the course of the elite
tradition
classics cycling race
challenge
ascends in Bergisches Land
‘Rund um Köln’ – classics cycling at the river Rhine 2023
The traditional cycling race “Rund um Köln“ will again take place this year in familiar constellation, as a mixture of elite and gran fondo races: Besides the elite race there will be the two Velodom 70 and Velodom 130 gran fondo races.
All competitions will be started in Cologne’s Rheinauhafen, afterwards the course will lead through mountainous Bergisches Land, with long straights, shorts ascents and of course the legendardy cobblestone passage to Bensberg Castle! The gran fondo riders will mostly cycle on the course of the pros. And the spectacular finish will again be in the Rhine metropolis of Cologne.
Sponsors
Velodom 70
The streets are yours at the short gran fondo race of “Rund um Köln”, the Velodom 70! This classics cycling race is known to be a highlight in the cycling calendar: starting and finish area in the metropolis Cologne, overland cruises through the mountainous Bergisches Land, long straights, short ascents and the legendary cobblestone passage to Bensberg Castle (Schloss Bensberg) – and then the emotional finish in the Cologne Rheinauhafen!
Entry fees
Entry slots
Entry fee
1 - 600
€ 65.00
601 - 2100
€ 75.00
2101 - 3000
€ 90.00
FAQ - most important information
Please the most important information on the race in the FAQ (in German 🇩🇪).
Regulations and competition rules
Regulations
These regulations are used for the Velodom 70 and are based on the Bund Deutscher Radfahrer e.V. (BDR) rules.
When registering for the Velodom as a participant you acknowledge the regulations of the race.
As a rider you are obliged to get familiar with the regulations and act accordingly.
You cycle for your own account and at your own risk.
Competition rules
The Velodom 70 is open for gran fondo cyclists.
Only riders of an officially registered UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) team are not entitled to participate.
BDR licence holders are, with the above-mentioned limitations, qualified to start.
The organiser will decide about the participation of riders of other associations with comparable sportive qualification in individual cases.
You do not need to be a member ofin any cycling club.
When registering for the Velodom 70 as a participant you are obliged to have checked your health conditions before, if necessary by consulting a medical practioner. You ensure that you have trained enough and are in sufficient condition for the participation.
Special provisions due to the Covid-19 pandemic
Regulatory provisions and the event structure may be modified due to the Covid-19 pandemic and, if necessary, a health certificate could be compulsory for all participants. In case a participant cannot present a corresponding health certificate the claim for the starting slots will expire. The entire entry fee will then not be reimbursed.
Health
We recommend an adequate sports medical examination to all participants prior to the participation.
On the current occasion and for showing respect for the other participants it is desirable that the runners get vaccinated early enough and follow the corresponding hygiene measures prior to the race.
Participants from risk areas have to consider quarantine provisions or abstain from the start.
Bike and accessories
The equipment regulations for the Velodom are based base on those of the BDR and the UCI. Further, the following regulations of the organiser will apply.
As a participant you are in charge of the race safety for your bike. Particularly, you have to care for the full functionality of the brakes and other security-relevant components. Participants whose bikes obviously do not fulfill the requirements for the race can be withdrawn from the competition.
The following list of materials and bike types are explicitly not allowed:
Mandatory helmets, apparel and bib number
Helmets are mandatory. The helmet has to be officially approved by an official testing institute and indicate its seal. Riding without helmet leads to disqualification.
There are no special provisions for the kind of apparel, however, they should not become any security risk. You are not allowed to ride without any apparel on the upper body.
The bib numbers handed out by us (e. g. bib numbers for the body, frame or helmet) are for your identification. Please fix them well visible and in full size at the intended sections – the body numbers in the height of the jersey pockets at the reverse of the jersey.
We kindly ask you to fix the helmet number accordingly at the front of your helmet so that the photographer Sportograf can allocate you.
Result and age categories
Most relevant for the age categorisation is the date of birth and sex.
The age classes are as follows:
Scorings and award ceremonies
Scorings
Overall single scorings
There are overall single scorings for women and men:
There will be an award ceremony for the first 3 riders female/male of each competition.
Team scorings
There will be an award ceremony for the first 3 teams of each competition.
Age category and special scorings
Different rankings for female and male age category scorings will be listed:
Award ceremonies
The first three female and male riders overall single scoring as well as the first three teams of the Velodom 70 will be awarded on-stage.
The female and male winners of the age categories per competition will be awarded afterwards via mail.
As a participant you are responsible to inform yourself about your race results and when applicable come to the stage in time for the award ceremony.
The location and time of the award ceremonies will be handed out with the race packets.
In case you do not appear in time for the award ceremony you are not eligible for any price.
Chronological procedure of the award ceremonies:
Chronometry, average pace and broom wagon
Chronometry
Your time will be measured with a transponder.
Important: Please follow the instructions of the time keeper for the use of the bib numbers with transponders attached.
Average pace and broom wagon
An average of 25 kilometres per hour is obligational for the Velodom 70.
The commissaire and the accompanying police squad will be in charge of the control of the average pace. The commissaire further reserves the right to also withdraw participants from the race that ride slower than the required average speed when the traffic situation necessitates it.
If you will not be capable to come up to or keep the required average pace due to damages, bodily complaints or other reasons you have to quit the race and return to the finish at your own risk by considering the highway code or enter the broom wagon.
We will close the course at certain points along the course after the planned average pace for belated passing participants. They will be handed out a flyer with the shortest way back to the starting/finish area by marshals. Withdrawn participants will be marked as DNF (did not finish) and will not appear in any result list.
Please follow the instructions of the broom wagon driver.
Allocation of starting blocks and starting times
Allocation of starting blocks
The allocation of the starting blocks will follow our criteria.
The bib number allocated with the registration will not indicate any information on the starting block. We will allocate all participants after the certain internal deadlines or after the registration deadlines and inform you duly prior to the race about the exact procedure of the Velodom in the roadbook/participant information.
Important: Please make sure that you transmit your valid email address. Otherwise, we cannot provide you with this relevant data.
You are obliged to enter your starting block at least 15 minutes before the start. Follow the signposted ways. There will be no ranking within a starting block.
Participants entering the starting block first have to line up in the front part of the starting block so that subsequent participants can move up and the starting block will remain accessible.
It is not allowed to jump over the security fences and/or to push to the front.
Members of a team that would like to start together can gather in the starting block of the last rider and kick off from there. However, every rider registered for a team can start from the starting block that she/he qualified for.
Illegal moving up into any starting block further to the front will lead to disqualification.
Starting times and blocks
(may be subject to change)
The start will be located on Bayenstraße next to Harry-Blum-Platz.
General riding order
Please use the right part of the streets for the entire race.
As a participant do not endanger or harm other road users or participants. You are not allowed to hinder other participants from passing by or unfolding their full speed.
Pushing someone, pushing someone off or pulling someone for personal or mutual benefit or other annoyances like sudden quitting of the riding line or abrupt stopping during the race or in the post-finish area without any imperative is prohibited and will sanctioned be according to the list below.
You are not allowed to draft behind, hang on or pull off from motorised vehicles, neither after crashes or damages. Please make room for our vehicles securing the course.
Police and fire service emergency cars with flashing blue light and medical service always have priority. Please let them overtake you.
ATTENTION: Medical service vehicles can enter the course suddenly any time and even drive contrary to the race direction.
For securing the peloton and averting of a danger we use motorbikes. Please make also room for them.
Throwing away rubbish and empty bottles is not permitted.
Refreshments
We will offer refreshments depending on weather conditions. Please visibly indicate on the course when you want to pick up any refreshments, stop at the outermost right edge of the street and still allow other participants to pass by safely. Dispose waste in designated refuse containers only.
Escort vehicles, support, change of equipment & damages
It is strictly forbidden that other vehicles than ours drive on the closed course.
Changing tools and spare parts among participants is allowed. We highly recommend to take this equipment with you.
Only repair damages when resting on the right part of the street. Do not hinder other riders.
In case you receive material from our support vehicles or you change own material to those offered by staff of the support vehicles please return it directly after crossing the finish line at the Velodom booth next to the hand-out of the race packets!
Resigning from or interrupting the race
Are you forced to interrupt or resign from the race due to a damage, bodily complaints etc. you have to raise the arm and indicate others that you have to stop at the roadside.
Emergency supply along the course will be guaranteed for the participants. Please find further information in the race packet.
Finish
We kindly ask you to abstain from potentially dangerous maneuvers prior to the finish line and keep both hands on the handle bars. Please keep to your riding line.
Leave the course and post-finish area quickly to avoid disturbing others. Please follow the signs and instructions from the volunteers on-site.
List of sanctions
| Infringement | Degree of penalty |
| Moving up to a starting block further to the front | warning |
| Lining up in the starting block further ahead | disqualification |
| Unsportive riding / behaviour | warning or disqualification |
| Dangerous riding | warning or disqualification |
| Willful dangerous riding | disqualification |
| Lining up with a non-compliant bicycle | start refused |
| Riding a non-compliant bicycle during the race | disqualification |
| Taking off the helmet during the race | disqualification |
| Modified or non-compliant positioned identification numbers | warning or two minute penalty |
| Body or frame number not visible/recognisable | warning or two minute penalty |
| Deviating from the chosen riding line while endangering other participants | disqualification |
| Non-compliant sprint | disqualification |
| Pulling from jersey | two minute penalty |
| Hanging on vehicles / motorbikes / riders | disqualification |
| Pushing away riders of the same team | warning or two minute penalty |
| Pushing away riders of another team | warning two minute penalty |
| Willful hindering of a rider | warning and two minute penalty or disqualification |
| Willful deviating from the chosen riding line | disqualification |
| Attempting to be classified without having absolved the entire course | disqualification |
| Crossing closed railway crossing gates | disqualification |
| Drafting after a vehicle | warning or five minute penalty |
| Non-compliant mechanic assistance | warning or five minute penalty |
| Non-compliant refreshments | warning or one minute time penalty |
| Hindering an official vehicle passing by | warning or one minute time penalty |
| Defiance of instructions of the commissaire | warning or one minute time penalty or disqualification |
| Insulting, threatening, incorrect behaviour | disqualification |
| Assaults of riders to other persons | disqualification |
| Carrying a glass container | disqualification |
| Non-compliant throwing away of any item | warning or one minute time penalty |
| Throwing away glas | disqualification |
| Anew crossing of the finish line in the direction of the race with fixed body number | warning or two minute penalty |
| Failing to attend award ceremony | loss of prices |
| Wearing of non-compliant clothing | warning or two minute penalty |
| Riding on the finish straight contrary to the direction of the race | disqualification |
| Using electronic remote communications devices (phone, radio communication) | disqualification |
| Using of headphones or earphones | disqualification |
A disqualification means the loss of all awards and prices. The commissaire reserves the right to deprive any awards and prices even for unsportive behaviour that is not listed above.
Group registration
In case you would like to register 10 or more single starters for the Velodom 70 and/or Velodom 130 please make use of the group registration option.
The discount per person (10% off) will be cleared as soon as you reach or exceed the relevant participant number.
Assurance
What to do when you get ill prior to the race or you cannot come due to important reasons?
The Generali entry fee assurance (managed by Europ Assistance) will cover the costs of the entry fee in the case of illness, accident, unemployment or extensive damage to your property.
Book the entry fee assurance – depending on the entry fee contingency for € 5.36 (first and second contingency) or € 6.96 (third and fourth contingency) – and you may start your training without any stress! :o)
What is to do in the case of an insured event?
As long as you booked this assurance and you cannot take part in the race please send the following documents to the insurance company at reise@europ-assistance.de:
Official Rund um Köln jersey
Our official Rund um Köln jersey in popular BIORACER quality has an SS Prof Bodyfit Smooth shape and is aerodynamically optimised for all day comfort.
It has aerodynamically correct lycra raglan sleeves with seamless ends and a long and robust zipper as well as 3 back pockets.
The fabrics are lycra-based.
The jerseys will be handed out at the Bike.EXPO.
NEW: student cup
Those who learn a lot need to keep a level head! And to keep this, as is well-known, you have to do sports. Therefore, we would like to award cycling students and will introduce the student cup (‘Studi-Werk Cup’ in German 
) in cooperation with the Kölner Studierendenwerk for the Velodom 70 and Velodom 130.
When you are currently matriculated at a German university you may register online prior to April 30, 2023 for cheaper rates (after the first entry fee contingency 10% off the entry fee). Note: This scoring is not available for elite cyclists.
And we will have fancy prices for the fastest would-be graduates:
The award ceremony will directly take place on stage in the finish after the race for the first time. Please bring your valid student ID to race. We will check it before the award ceremony.
Note: Should you already be registered for the race we still may enroll you for the special student scoring. A reimbursement will however not be possible.
Velodom 130
You should not miss this highligth: You will ride on the course of the elite at the Velodom 130, the longer gran fondo race of “Rund um Köln” – over long straights and firm ascents through surrounding mountainous Bergisches Land! And you can enjoy the legendary cobblestone passage to Bensberg Castle (Schloss Bensberg) even twice – enjoy action and emotions in the finish at Rheinauhaufen in Cologne!
Entry slots
Entry fee
1 - 350
€ 80.00
351 - 1150
€ 90.00
1151 - 2000
€ 110.00
FAQ - most important information
Please the most important information on the race in the FAQ (in German 🇩🇪).
Regulations and competition rules
Regulations
These regulations are used for the Velodom 130 and are based on the Bund Deutscher Radfahrer e.V. (BDR) rules.
When registering for the Velodom 130 as a participant you acknowledge the regulations of the race.
As a rider you are obliged to get familiar with the regulations and act accordingly.
You cycle for your own account and at your own risk.
Competition rules
The Velodom 130 is open for gran fondo cyclists.
Only riders of an officially registered UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) team are not entitled to participate.
BDR licence holders are, with the above-mentioned limitations, qualified to start.
The organiser will decide about the participation of riders of other associations with comparable sportive qualification in individual cases.
You do not need to be a member ofin any cycling club.
When registering for the Velodom 130 as a participant you are obliged to have checked your health conditions before, if necessary by consulting a medical practioner. You ensure that you have trained enough and are in sufficient condition for the participation.
Special provisions due to the Covid-19 pandemic
Regulatory provisions and the event structure may be modified due to the Covid-19 pandemic and, if necessary, a health certificate could be compulsory for all participants. In case a participant cannot present a corresponding health certificate the claim for the starting slots will expire. The entire entry fee will then not be reimbursed.
Health
We recommend an adequate sports medical examination to all participants prior to the participation.
On the current occasion and for showing respect for the other participants it is desirable that the runners get vaccinated early enough and follow the corresponding hygiene measures prior to the race.
Participants from risk areas have to consider quarantine provisions or abstain from the start.
Bike and accessories
The equipment regulations for the Velodom are based base on those of the BDR and the UCI. Further, the following regulations of the organiser will apply.
As a participant you are in charge of the race safety for your bike. Particularly, you have to care for the full functionality of the brakes and other security-relevant components. Participants whose bikes obviously do not fulfill the requirements for the race can be withdrawn from the competition.
The following list of materials and bike types are explicitly not allowed:
Mandatory helmets, apparel and bib number
Helmets are mandatory. The helmet has to be officially approved by an official testing institute and indicate its seal. Riding without helmet leads to disqualification.
There are no special provisions for the kind of apparel, however, they should not become any security risk. You are not allowed to ride without any apparel on the upper body.
The bib numbers handed out by us (e. g. bib numbers for the body, frame or helmet) are for your identification. Please fix them well visible and in full size at the intended sections – the body numbers in the height of the jersey pockets at the reverse of the jersey.
We kindly ask you to fix the helmet number accordingly at the front of your helmet so that the photographer Sportograf can allocate you.
Result and age categories
Most relevant for the age categorisation is the date of birth and sex.
The age classes are as follows:
Scorings and award ceremonies
Scorings
Overall single scorings
There are overall single scorings for women and men:
There will be an award ceremony for the first 3 riders female/male of each competition.
Team scorings
There will be an award ceremony for the first 3 teams of each competition.
Age category and special scorings
Different rankings for female and male age category scorings will be listed:
Award ceremonies
The first three female and male riders overall single scoring as well as the first three teams of the Velodom 130 will be awarded on-stage.
The female and male winners of the age categories per competition will be awarded afterwards via mail.
As a participant you are responsible to inform yourself about your race results and when applicable come to the stage in time for the award ceremony.
The location and time of the award ceremonies will be handed out with the race packets.
In case you do not appear in time for the award ceremony you are not eligible for any price.
Chronological procedure of the award ceremonies:
Chronometry, average pace and broom wagon
Chronometry
Your time will be measured with a transponder.
Important: Please follow the instructions of the time keeper for the use of the bib numbers with transponders attached.
Average pace and broom wagon
An average of 25 kilometres per hour is obligational for the Velodom 130.
The commissaire and the accompanying police squad will be in charge of the control of the average pace. The commissaire further reserves the right to also withdraw participants from the race that ride slower than the required average speed when the traffic situation necessitates it.
If you will not be capable to come up to or keep the required average pace due to damages, bodily complaints or other reasons you have to quit the race and return to the finish at your own risk by considering the highway code or enter the broom wagon.
We will close the course at certain points along the course after the planned average pace for belated passing participants. They will be handed out a flyer with the shortest way back to the starting/finish area by marshals. Withdrawn participants will be marked as DNF (did not finish) and will not appear in any result list.
Please follow the instructions of the broom wagon driver.
Allocation of starting blocks and starting times
Allocation of starting blocks
The allocation of the starting blocks will follow our criteria.
The bib number allocated with the registration will not indicate any information on the starting block. We will allocate all participants after the certain internal deadlines or after the registration deadlines and inform you duly prior to the race about the exact procedure of the Velodom in the roadbook/participant information.
Important: Please make sure that you transmit your valid email address. Otherwise, we cannot provide you with this relevant data.
You are obliged to enter your starting block at least 15 minutes before the start. Follow the signposted ways. There will be no ranking within a starting block.
Participants entering the starting block first have to line up in the front part of the starting block so that subsequent participants can move up and the starting block will remain accessible.
It is not allowed to jump over the security fences and/or to push to the front.
Members of a team that would like to start together can gather in the starting block of the last rider and kick off from there. However, every rider registered for a team can start from the starting block that she/he qualified for.
Illegal moving up into any starting block further to the front will lead to disqualification.
Starting times and blocks
(may be subject to change)
The start will be located on Bayenstraße next to Harry-Blum-Platz.
General riding order
Please use the right part of the streets for the entire race.
As a participant do not endanger or harm other road users or participants. You are not allowed to hinder other participants from passing by or unfolding their full speed.
Pushing someone, pushing someone off or pulling someone for personal or mutual benefit or other annoyances like sudden quitting of the riding line or abrupt stopping during the race or in the post-finish area without any imperative is prohibited and will sanctioned be according to the list below.
You are not allowed to draft behind, hang on or pull off from motorised vehicles, neither after crashes or damages. Please make room for our vehicles securing the course.
Police and fire service emergency cars with flashing blue light and medical service always have priority. Please let them overtake you.
ATTENTION: Medical service vehicles can enter the course suddenly any time and even drive contrary to the race direction.
For securing the peloton and averting of a danger we use motorbikes. Please make also room for them.
Throwing away rubbish and empty bottles is not permitted.
Refreshments
We will offer refreshments depending on weather conditions. Please visibly indicate on the course when you want to pick up any refreshments, stop at the outermost right edge of the street and still allow other participants to pass by safely. Dispose waste in designated refuse containers only.
Escort vehicles, support, change of equipment & damages
It is strictly forbidden that other vehicles than ours drive on the closed course.
Changing tools and spare parts among participants is allowed. We highly recommend to take this equipment with you.
Only repair damages when resting on the right part of the street. Do not hinder other riders.
In case you receive material from our support vehicles or you change own material to those offered by staff of the support vehicles please return it directly after crossing the finish line at the Velodom booth next to the hand-out of the race packets!
Resigning from or interrupting the race
Are you forced to interrupt or resign from the race due to a damage, bodily complaints etc. you have to raise the arm and indicate others that you have to stop at the roadside.
Emergency supply along the course will be guaranteed for the participants. Please find further information in the race packet.
Finish
We kindly ask you to abstain from potentially dangerous maneuvers prior to the finish line and keep both hands on the handle bars. Please keep to your riding line.
Leave the course and post-finish area quickly to avoid disturbing others. Please follow the signs and instructions from the volunteers on-site.
List of sanctions
| Infringement | Degree of penalty |
| Moving up to a starting block further to the front | warning |
| Lining up in the starting block further ahead | disqualification |
| Unsportive riding / behaviour | warning or disqualification |
| Dangerous riding | warning or disqualification |
| Willful dangerous riding | disqualification |
| Lining up with a non-compliant bicycle | start refused |
| Riding a non-compliant bicycle during the race | disqualification |
| Taking off the helmet during the race | disqualification |
| Modified or non-compliant positioned identification numbers | warning or two minute penalty |
| Body or frame number not visible/recognisable | warning or two minute penalty |
| Deviating from the chosen riding line while endangering other participants | disqualification |
| Non-compliant sprint | disqualification |
| Pulling from jersey | two minute penalty |
| Hanging on vehicles / motorbikes / riders | disqualification |
| Pushing away riders of the same team | warning or two minute penalty |
| Pushing away riders of another team | warning two minute penalty |
| Willful hindering of a rider | warning and two minute penalty or disqualification |
| Willful deviating from the chosen riding line | disqualification |
| Attempting to be classified without having absolved the entire course | disqualification |
| Crossing closed railway crossing gates | disqualification |
| Drafting after a vehicle | warning or five minute penalty |
| Non-compliant mechanic assistance | warning or five minute penalty |
| Non-compliant refreshments | warning or one minute time penalty |
| Hindering an official vehicle passing by | warning or one minute time penalty |
| Defiance of instructions of the commissaire | warning or one minute time penalty or disqualification |
| Insulting, threatening, incorrect behaviour | disqualification |
| Assaults of riders to other persons | disqualification |
| Carrying a glass container | disqualification |
| Non-compliant throwing away of any item | warning or one minute time penalty |
| Throwing away glas | disqualification |
| Anew crossing of the finish line in the direction of the race with fixed body number | warning or two minute penalty |
| Failing to attend award ceremony | loss of prices |
| Wearing of non-compliant clothing | warning or two minute penalty |
| Riding on the finish straight contrary to the direction of the race | disqualification |
| Using electronic remote communications devices (phone, radio communication) | disqualification |
| Using of headphones or earphones | disqualification |
A disqualification means the loss of all awards and prices. The commissaire reserves the right to deprive any awards and prices even for unsportive behaviour that is not listed above.
Group registration
In case you would like to register 10 or more single starters for the Velodom 70 and/or Velodom 130 please make use of the group registration option.
The discount per person (10% off) will be cleared as soon as you reach or exceed the relevant participant number.
Assurance
What to do when you get ill prior to the race or you cannot come due to important reasons?
The Generali entry fee assurance (managed by Europ Assistance) will cover the costs of the entry fee in the case of illness, accident, unemployment or extensive damage to your property.
Book the entry fee assurance – depending on the entry fee contingency for € 5.36 (first contingency), € 6.96 (second and third contingency) or € 10.65 (fourth contingency) – and you may start your training without any stress! :o)
What is to do in the case of an insured event?
As long as you booked this assurance and you cannot take part in the race please send the following documents to the insurance company at reise@europ-assistance.de:
Official Rund um Köln jersey
Our official Rund um Köln jersey in popular BIORACER quality has an SS Prof Bodyfit Smooth shape and is aerodynamically optimised for all day comfort.
It has aerodynamically correct lycra raglan sleeves with seamless ends and a long and robust zipper as well as 3 back pockets.
The fabrics are lycra-based.
The jerseys will be handed out at the Bike.EXPO.
NEW: student cup
Those who learn a lot need to keep a level head! And to keep this, as is well-known, you have to do sports. Therefore, we would like to award cycling students and will introduce the student cup (‘Studi-Werk Cup’ in German ) in cooperation with the Kölner Studierendenwerk for the Velodom 70 and Velodom 130.
When you are currently matriculated at a German university you may register online prior to April 30, 2023 for cheaper rates (after the first entry fee contingency 10% off the entry fee). Note: This scoring is not available for elite cyclists.
And we will have fancy prices for the fastest would-be graduates:
The award ceremony will directly take place on stage in the finish after the race for the first time. Please bring your valid student ID to race. We will check it before the award ceremony.
Note: Should you already be registered for the race we still may enroll you for the special student scoring. A reimbursement will however not be possible.
Sponsors
Partners
