Dominik Amann is crowned national champion at the international Rankweiler Cycling Criterium, Alexander Konychev finishes on the podium.

It was a real cycling spectacle. The return of the Rankweiler Kriterium around the Liebfrauenberg attracted numerous spectators to the course and offered cycling at the highest level. After 100 laps, the German Michael Schwarzmann (Israel-Premiertech) won ahead of his compatriot Dario Rapps (Team Auto Brosch Kempten) and Alexander Konychev from Team Vorarlberg. Schwarzmann, who lives in Lochau, narrowly missed out on a nomination for the Tour de France and presented himself in strong form in Rankweil. “It was difficult, Team Vorarlberg was extremely strong and kept attacking. After being lapped, it was all about the final classification, which I took,” said the 33-year-old happily.

Schwarzmann had made common cause with his friend and long-time companion Rüdiger Selig (Astana) and initially put him in a good position. However, a few laps before the end, a small leading group including Schwarzmann broke away and took the decisive 20 points by lapping the main field. Schwarzmann finally won the final sprint ahead of Konychev.

Dominik Amann was also part of the leading group, securing the national criterium title ahead of Emanuel Zangerle (Felt-Felbermayr). “It was a brutally tough race. The lapping was absolutely necessary, we knew that a group was going to go. It was a case of being there.” This is Amann’s first Austrian championship title since the junior road race in 2017.
Team Vorarlberg tried to exploit its numerical superiority with many attacks. This commitment was increasingly rewarded as the race progressed. Lukas Meiler rode solo for a long time and was only caught up on the 86th lap. “We knew that we had no chance in the sprint. That’s why we were constantly attacking,” says the German, “I tried to keep going until the end, but the field was just too fast.”

In the women’s race, World Tour rider Kathrin Schweinberger (Ceratizit-WNT) triumphed as the big favorite ahead of Melanie Brunhofer (Interklima-ABC) and Jana Gigele (Arbö-Rapsöl Knittelfeld).

Before the men’s race, Matthias Brändle was officially bid farewell. The long-time World Tour pro and former world hour record holder rode two laps with the elite men a year and a half after his career ended and then took the opportunity to commentate on the race on the K19 livestream. After the race, the man from Hohenems had to sign a few autographs.

Great enthusiasm at the Hometown Heros and Käferle Cup
Many children and young people were enthusiastic about the Käferle Cup in Rankweil, which was held for the first time in the run-up to the professionals. From balance bikes to schoolchildren, a total of 200 children took part. You only saw smiling children’s eyes.
The numerous participants in the Hometown Heros competition did the same. Exciting races, cool outfits and lots of fun were had by the ladies over eight laps and the men over 15 laps. “It’s simply great that such competitions are being brought back to life for recreational athletes. You could really feel the euphoria,” said the race participants in unison. In addition to long-term chairman of RV-Schwalbe Rankweil Christof Branner, cycling school founder Max Kofler and VLRV president Herby Tessadri were also at the start. The most prominent, however, was undoubtedly Dimitri Konychev, father of Team Vorarlberg pro Alexander Konychev and winner of numerous Tour de France and Giro d Italia stages, as well as vice world champion.

“It was an event with goosebumps, the farewell to Mattias Brändle was impressive and really moving. Our riders showed a good race, and I’m particularly pleased that Dominik Amann won the title!” says Thomas Kofler, OC manager

Copyright photos Team Vorarlberg resp. @simon_peter_photo

All information about the cycling criterion around the Liebfrauenberg can be found at:
https://www.proevent-cycling.at/int-radkriterium-rankweil/