Results and Report of the 39th International Rotary Championship Brakel 2024 available!
The 39th Rotary Fellowship Cycling-to-Serve World Championships in Brakel Zwalmvallei were characterized by some surprises
No Surprise was the club’s willingness to host this world championship in 2024! 2022 in Bad Homburg, Daniel and his team asked if they could host the World Championships in two years’ time. No wonder Jens de Cubber has already been world champion several times and should demonstrate this at home
The venue in Michelbeke was a surprise It was located in Flanders, close to the routes of the Tour de Flanders. In this small town, we were able to greet each other and discuss our fitness over delicious pasta and Belgian beer, if that is conducive to athletes.The club had chosen a fine route of around 2.5 km. Surprisingly with a significant climb of about 40 meters in altitude over 1 km.
The race day on Saturday morning started with the handicapped race. It was great to see the enthusiasm with which these people gave their best on this circuit and were rewarded with professional cheers. Thank you for this experience. Inclusion could not be better.
The Rotary races began in the age groups as follows: The first men’s race, over 65 with duration of 45 minutes, included the e-bike category. Ralf Herrmann Wittenberg (D), Bernard Girod (CH) and Marc Timmermans (B) quickly took the lead and won the race. The brothers Domingo and Miguel San Miguel Fernandez (both ES) showed a great performance with their eBikes and were awarded special prizes in this category.
The women’s race started as one category. It is hoped that more Rotarian women will participate in this event as it becomes better known. The classification into under 50 and over 50 years is planned. This would require five entrants per class. Uschi Mühlenbrock (D), who is known for her strength, won the race ahead of Emily Heilmann (B). The Rotarian world champion was Luisa Giua Marassi (I).
The 55-64 age group had the largest number of participants. The field of 20 athletes set out an one-hour loop.The climb at the start/finish area soon split the field. In the leading group, Jo Maes (B), Peter Mol (NL) and Peter de Grove (FR) fought for the podium places
Jens de Cubber was the clear favorite in the race for riders under 45. After a brief tactical battle with other Belgian riders, he pulled away and rode a solitary lap to victory, followed by Gerard Van Caillie Gerard and Sebastien Mas, all from Belgium.
In the same 1-hour race, the champion of the 45-54 age group was also determined. Enrico Guida (I) took the first place, Phillip-M Preusse and Lutz Klusekemper were 2nd and 3rd.
Traditionally the RC Brakel – Zwamlvallei invited to a gala dinner. The venue was a sports- or warehouse hall, also in Michelbeke. The scepticism of the outside view disappeared with the loving and professional interior design and decoration. It was an ideal place to enjoy the awards in Rotarian fellowship! The invitation to the 40. Championship of the Fellowship Cycling to Serve on September 6th in Geneva.
RC Brakel – Zwalmvallei Has certainly proved itself not only with this event. It is remarkable that a relatively small and young club dares to host an event with almost 40 years of tradition!
For this surprise the community says a heartfelt thank you!
