On 8 July, things will be getting sporty in the twin towns of Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice. The ‘3, 2, 1 … Start’ event combines sporting competitions and cross-border cooperation with a special focus on the towns’ shared history. The city bridge will serve as the central venue and a symbol of the connection between the two towns.
The city bridge and the individual sections of the route will therefore be closed to traffic on 8 July between 1.00 pm and 9.00 pm.
At 4.00 pm, the International Oder Cycle Tour gets underway, with elite cyclists from various countries competing against one another on a route through Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice. This long-standing event builds on the region’s rich cycling history and transforms the city bridge into a sporting stage for the twin cities.
Dan Radtke, Managing Director of Frankfurter Radsportclub 90 e.V. and Director of the Oder Tour, emphasises: “What makes this year special is that – unlike last year’s time trial – the teams are competing directly against one another. Spectators will experience overtaking manoeuvres, tight cornering and thrilling racing moments at first hand. Whilst this is certainly challenging for the athletes and not without its risks, it also ensures a very dynamic and action-packed race.”
A total of 20 men’s and 16 women’s teams, each with six riders from 10 nations – including Germany and Poland – will be competing against one another. Roger Kluge, five-time European champion and three-time world champion in the Madison (pairs race), will be competing for Team Brandenburg KDH.
Alongside this, the bilingual open-air exhibition on the cycling history of the twin city on the Stadtbrücke will display historical photos and archive material.&
From 6.30 pm, amateur and competitive athletes can take part in the “9th Run Without Borders – Bieg bez Granic” to experience the twin city together on foot and send a visible message of solidarity. Organiser Frederic-Marc Jürgensen, Managing Director of StadtSportBund Frankfurt (Oder) e.V., expects over 300 participants on the five- or ten-kilometre circuits and is looking forward to a large crowd of spectators cheering them on enthusiastically. The joint awards ceremony will take place at 8.00 pm on the stage on Słubicer Straße.
The day’s sporting events will conclude with cityYOGA at 7.00 pm in St Mary’s Church. The historic church will be transformed into a place of tranquillity, mindfulness and relaxation. Against this impressive backdrop, people of all ages will come together to practise yoga and round off the evening in a special atmosphere. Yoga teacher Stephanie Matis recommends: “Please bring your yoga mat and some warmer clothing. Even in summer, St Mary’s Church offers a pleasantly cool environment for our group yoga session.”
Background information
The project is co-financed by the Euroregion PRO EUROPA VIADRINA Small Projects Fund as part of the INTERREG VI A Brandenburg–Poland 2021–2027 cooperation programme.