Track Crit Dusseldorf
Dusseldorf is where we are at.
The ocasion is a cycle trade fair. At the beautiful Areal Bohler, an old restored industrial complex – similar to Gazi Athens – small to medium independent labels have gathered for a meet and greet weekend and lots of parallel events. One of these is the a track crit race organised by LifeIsARide, a small design bag and clothes local manufacturer.
Good news is that our friend Kostas is travelling from Berlin where he lives to meet us and race the crit so there is a little anticipation about that. The crit course, as it happens in these cases is confined in the outdoor and parking area of the complex but even that being so it is quite nicely done with some creative elements and good flow.
There are about 30 riders including about 6-7 women, some superb track bikes and super good vibes. The race is a fun thing, there is a lot of speaking from the organisers on the microphone but its all in German and we dont understand a word – the only thing understood is that this is not an elimination race and both men and women race together.
As the race starts a few strong riders are kicking it off pushing the lead and its evident that only 2 of them are working as a team. The turn where we are standing on is perfect for them as you can feel how much fun they have as they push the pedal through it. After the big turn there is a straight line and then few more turns around the parking lot before ti comes back to the starting line. Its good! People are smiling and pushing as the heat is coming on slowly to the court. Kostas however is not looking good. We are cheering and shouting at him but as the race unravels we realise that he has a mechanical or something as he is losing places (he had a flat).
We change spots, taking photos, drinking beer, chating with other people as the sun is slowly fading and the riders are gradually getting bonked. We dont have the slightest clue what is going on in the race as there is no elimination and we have lost count of the overpassing. It matters not though as the vibe is top and the event is super fun for everybody.
Before I leave you with these photos Philippos took, I have to say that I admire the German scene so much, people have no distinction riding track, gravel, road bikes or whatever and it seems like there is this efforless mix of stokeness and quest for a healthy life of fitness and camaraderie. I didnt see any aggression or flying egos or snobism at all and that is a super cool thing to live on.
Save the track bikes indeed!
All photos by Filippos Paroussis
