Bahrain Victorious Heading to Hamburg for the 2025 Cyclassics
# Bahrain Victorious Prepares for the Challenge of Hamburg Cyclassics 2025
As the cycling world gears up for the 28th edition of the Hamburg Cyclassics this Sunday, August 17th, Bahrain Victorious is ready to make its mark on the 207.4 km course. Departing from Buxtehude, the route features the notorious Waseberg circuit, which includes a steep 700-meter climb at 10% gradient, with sections reaching up to 16%. This formidable ascent is tackled five times, with the last climb occurring just 16 km before the finish, leading into a winding descent on Mönckebergstraße, characterized by its five technical turns in the concluding kilometers.
Phil Bauhaus, Bahrain Victorious’ designated sprint leader, is set to compete in his fifth Hamburg Cyclassics, having previously secured 7th place in 2022. He will be supported by lead-out man Matevž Govekar, while teammates Matej Mohoric, Fred Wright, and Robert Stannard aim to race aggressively as they navigate the second half of the course. Rounding out the squad are Kamil Gradek and Alberto Bruttomesso, who will focus on ensuring optimal positioning for their team.
Aart Vierhouten, the team’s lead Sports Director in Germany, pointed out that this year’s race profile includes significant changes. “This year it’s a bit of a different parcours. The organisers made some changes. They have made it a bit more difficult for a bunch sprint in the finale, so they will eliminate some of the sprinters with the very technical 11km circuit which includes the Waseberg climb,” Vierhouten explained. “Going over the Waseberg multiple times makes it a different race in the final. From the last time uphill, we will have 16km to the finish. It’s not too far, so it challenges the riders to attack. Anyway, it will be a nice race to watch on television for sure.”
The team is optimistic about their chances as they prepare for the dynamic obstacles ahead. “For us as a team, we are ready. Of course, when the sprinters come off and come back in the end, there will be other teams to close the gap to the breakaway riders. We have Phil Bauhaus in that case together with Matevž. But before, of course, we want to race and be part of the race with our leader Matej Mohoric. He came good from the Tour de France and has new goals for the last part of the season, and also of course in Hamburg,” Vierhouten noted. He highlighted the team’s strong line-up, emphasizing the classic racing skills of Mohoric, Wright, and Stannard.
“I have a strong feeling this year the breakaway will go to the end and fight for the win at the line, considering the other years. I am pretty confident with our riders. And if the race comes back with a group of 30-40 riders, then it’s up to Phil Bauhaus to be there together with Matevž, who will lead Phil in the final sprint.”
With their well-rounded squad and strategic approach, Bahrain Victorious looks to tackle the challenges ahead in Hamburg, blending experience with aggressive tactics to secure a top finish in this prestigious cycling event.
