Is it true that Longerich holds stories of cycling glory? Longerich in Cologne is more than just a suburb. It is a place with a sporting heart. Today, we will uncover the tale of RRC Günther 1921 Köln-Longerich. It was a cycling club deeply rooted in this community.
Imagine Longerich in 1921. The club was founded. It was named in memory of Peter Günther. He was a Cologne cyclist who tragically died in 1918. The brothers Adolf and Christian Pützfeld were among the founding members. They were the most famous cyclists in the 1920s.
However, dark times came in 1933. The club faced a ban. But the spirit of Longerich could not be suppressed for long. After World War II, the club rose again. It produced cycling stars like Wilfried Peffgen. He was a Tour de France participant and world champion. Also, Friedhelm Fischerkeller. He was a German champion. And Hans-Jürgen Greil. He was a tandem world champion. The sisters Gabi and Beate Habetz were members. Gina Haatz and Andreas Kappes were members too. Jochen Dornbusch is another name to remember. He was a long-time national coach.
From 2001 to 2006, the Marcel-Wüst-Junior Team thrived. Werner Stauff and Werner Wüller managed the team. Andreas Stauff and Maurice Calles emerged from it. Longerich nurtured young talent.
Since 1952, the club has hosted a race on Whit Monday. It was first known as “Rund um Köln-Longerich”. Later, it became “Cologne Classic”. Marcel Wüst was the sporting director until 2011. He even won the race twice. Ralf Grabsch took over then. In 2015 and 2016, “Cologne Classic” hosted a Paracycling European Cup. It also hosted the German Paracycling Championships. Longerich became a stage for international competition.
In 2011, the club boasted around 200 members. It was one of the largest in the Cologne district. Gino Baudrie was the chairman. But, everything has an end.
At the end of 2018, the club merged. It joined RC Durch. It was Cologne’s oldest cycling club. It also joined the racing team of the Heinrich-Böll-Gesamtschule. The new club is named Cologne Cycling Club. Baudrie, Thomas Müller and Werner Schleicher lead it. Longerich’s cycling heritage continues in a new form.
The Cologne Classic saw many winners. Alexander Krieger won in 2018. Lars Teutenberg in 2017. Enzo Wouters in 2016. The list goes on. It includes names like Dominik Roels and André Greipel. Marcel Wüst himself won in 1995 and 1996. The race was not just a local event. It attracted talent from around the world.
Even though the club RRC Günther 1921 Köln-Longerich is no longer exists, its contribution to cycling remains. The Cologne Cycling Club carries on the legacy. Longerich’s passion for cycling is still alive. It is in the heart of Cologne. It is a story of dedication, sporting excellence, and community. The spirit of Longerich rides on.