Once called Alfred-Rosch-Kampfbahn, this Leipzig cycling track has a story etched in its concrete. The Leipziger Radrennbahn stands before you. It whispers tales of speed, political change, and community spirit.
Originally named after Alfred Rosch, a communist official executed in 1945, the track became a symbol. His name marked this place until 1992.
The story of this Radrennbahn begins with the ambition of local cyclists. In 1948, members of SC Großzschocher started building the track. They used the existing sports field on Windorfer Straße. These cycling enthusiasts transformed an old cinder track into something special.
The first race at the Alfred-Rosch-Kampfbahn took place on April 30, 1949. Yet it was still on a cinder surface. Gerd Thiemichen and Jürgen Müller won the opening race. They rode a two-man team event.
Just two months later, lights were installed. These allowed for evening races. In a mere 68 days, Leipzig’s cycling community built a new cement track. 11,000 spectators watched the first race on the new surface on September 15, 1951. Local cyclists volunteered over 7,000 hours. Soon, the Alfred-Rosch-Kampfbahn could hold 20,000 visitors.
The track is 400 meters long. It is made of concrete and is partially covered. This makes it Germany’s longest track of its kind. It measures 7.50 meters wide. The track’s curves reach a 26-degree angle.
In 1957, the Alfred-Rosch-Kampfbahn hosted a world championship. In 1958, after a 44-year break, it held the first amateur world championships. Except for the professional, the track hosted all cycling events in 1960.
After renovations in 1970 and 1971, the Alfred-Rosch-Kampfbahn gained partial roofing. It was only the third such facility worldwide. It became a central venue for East German cycling. It hosted 29 East German championships. Until the end of East Germany, the track regularly hosted the Grand Prix of the GDR.
Tragedy struck in 1978 when cyclist Karl Kaminski crashed. He died in the hospital the next day. In 1981, the Radrennbahn hosted the Junior World Championships. The Alfred Rosch Kampfbahn even served as a finish line for the International Peace Ride in 1989.
The German Steher championships have occurred here several times. Leipzig held them in 2009, 2011, and 2014. It also hosted the European Championships in 2001.
In 2010, the roof was renovated. A 9,000-square-meter photovoltaic system was installed. The operator of this system helped fund the roof’s reconstruction.
The City of Leipzig owns the Radrennbahn. From 1992, they leased it to the Saxon Cycling Federation. In 2015, the city took back control.
In 2019, the Saxon Ministry of the Interior and the City of Leipzig released funds for renovations. This improved the infrastructure and drainage. In 2020, the city signed a lease. This was for the renovation of the 1951 track surface.
Before the Alfred-Rosch-Kampfbahn existed, another cycling track stood in Leipzig-Lindenau. Built in 1892, it was a 500-meter cement track.
The Leipziger Radrennbahn stands as a testament to Leipzig’s cycling legacy. Today, the Leipziger Radrennbahn continues to host events. It is now a modern facility with a nod to its rich past.