Racing champion Townsend doubles highest driver rank and clinches victory at Hamburger Cyclassics event
In a surprising turn of events, Rory Townsend, a 30-year-old Irish rider from the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, clinched the victory at the 28th edition of the Hamburg Cyclassics. Townsend outperformed several international cycling stars, including Wout van Aert, who finished tenth, and Jasper Philipsen, a top sprinter who confirmed his last-minute participation in the race[1][2][3].
Townsend's victory was a testament to his exceptional tactical skill and stamina. He was part of a four-man breakaway that established an early lead, maintaining it through demanding sections of the course and key climbs such as the Waseberg. The race, which started in Buxtehude, covered a distance of 207 kilometers, the longest in the past five years[4].
The professional cyclists passed the Köhlbrand Bridge, Elbe beach, Jungfernstieg, Reeperbahn, and Waseberg five times during the race[5]. Despite competition from internationally acclaimed cycling stars like Jonathan Milan, Isaac del Toro, and Fred Wright, Townsend's breakaway success and sprint finish secured him the win[4].
Arnaud De Lie (Lotto Dstny) came in second, and Paul Magnier (Soudal Quick-Step) finished third[1][5]. Biniam Girmay, Philipsen's sprint rival, came in eighth in the Cyclassics[2].
Unfortunately, no German rider made it into the top ten this year. Phil Bauhaus, a sprinter, crashed around 50 kilometers from the finish but was able to continue[1]. Numerous streets in and around Hamburg were closed for the Cyclassics event, and approximately 10,000 amateur cyclists also participated in the race on two different courses[6].
The Cyclassics started for the first time in Buxtehude, Lower Saxony[7]. This year's race saw the field of the race receive last-minute reinforcements from two prominent stars, adding an extra layer of competition[8]. The race also saw "usual" incidents during the amateur races, resulting in 21 instances where an ambulance was needed[9].
Townsend's victory marks a significant milestone in his career, as it not only represents the biggest win of his career but also came against a highly competitive international field[3][4]. The last time a German rider, André Greipel, won the Cyclassics was ten years ago[10].
[1] Hamburg Cyclassics 2025: Rory Townsend claims stunning victory [2] Hamburg Cyclassics 2025: Rory Townsend wins dramatic race [3] Hamburg Cyclassics 2025: Rory Townsend secures landmark victory [4] Hamburg Cyclassics 2025: Rory Townsend wins in thrilling finish [5] Hamburg Cyclassics 2025: Final Results [6] Hamburg Cyclassics 2025: Amateur Cyclists Participation [7] Hamburg Cyclassics 2025: First Race Start in Buxtehude [8] Hamburg Cyclassics 2025: Last-Minute Reinforcements [9] Hamburg Cyclassics 2025: Ambulance Calls During Amateur Races [10] Hamburg Cyclassics: No German Rider in Top 10 Since Greipel
Rory Townsend's triumph in the Hamburg Cyclassics demonstrated his dominance in sports, as he outshone numerous international cycling stars in this lengthy race that covered 207 kilometers. The professional cyclists competed fiercely, with Townsend securing his win through a strategic breakaway and a powerful sprint finish, placing him at the top of an intense sports competition.
