Although the Garmin Velothon Berlin has only been held since 2011, the 175.1-km race is second to none in terms of its importance and flair when compared to the more established German cycling classics.

The spectacular route right through the heart of the German capital is not the only reason for that; the huge interest on the part of spectators also plays an important role. After missing out on the Four Days of Dunkirk due to illness, Sam Bennett will attempt to bring home Team NetApp-Endura’s next top result on May 18. Hopes are also resting on Ralf Matzka after his eighth-place finish in Dunkirk.

“The Velothon is one of the few German races, which is why, as a German team, we’re naturally eager to take part and do our best. Due to the route profile, we’ll be competing there with a good sprint squad, and we intend to have a say in the anticipated bunch sprint. The protagonist will be our Irish sprint talent, Sam Bennett. Our race strategy will focus on him, provided he’s completely well by then as we expect him to be. If Sam has recovered nicely from his illness, then he will certainly be in the running for the win,” says Sport Director Enrico Poitschke, looking ahead to the race.

In the three previous editions of this competition it was always breakaway riders who were able to leave their mark on the race through the German capital. Nevertheless, each time it was ultimately a true sprinter who received the final cheers from the crowds in Berlin. The completely flat course is not the only reason for that; it also has to do with the nature of the final lap because it also favors riders in pursuit.

On the one hand, a short city course like the one in Berlin allows for a chase to be perfectly timed. On the other hand, the two opposing lanes between Ernst Reuter Platz and Grosser Stern allow the “hunters” to look their victims directly in the eye with each lap. Regardless of whether a lead group prevails this year or the race is again decided in a bunch sprint, an exciting weekend of cycling can be expected. As the top-ranked Germany cycling squad, Team NetApp-Endura is ideally prepared.

Line-up: Sam Bennett, Blaž Jarc, Ralf Matzka, Erick Rowsell, Michael Schwarzmann