Name: Rund in Refrath — Cycling Race RSV Staubwolke 2026
Start: 2026-05-14T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-05-14T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Frankenforster Straße, Bergisch Gladbach-Refrath

Rund in Refrath

About Rund in Refrath

"Rund in Refrath" is one of Germany's oldest cycling races. Since 1952 — the founding year of RSV Staubwolke Refrath — the race has been held without interruption on Ascension Day on Frankenforster Straße in Bergisch Gladbach-Refrath. 2026 marked the 75th edition and took place on May 14th (Ascension Day). Races in all age categories (U11 to Elite, Women, Juniors), guest of honor in 2026 was Tour de France stage winner Nils Politt. Volksfest (public festival) character with catering — approx. 100 helpers.

Dates 14 May — 14 May 2026

Venue Bergisch Gladbach (05378)

Prices Free

Status Finished

Edition 2026

Rund in Refrath — edition 2026

The 75th "Rund in Refrath" was held on May 14, 2026 (Ascension Day) on Frankenforster Straße. Races in all age categories, guest of honor Nils Politt. Elite/CT winner Robin Willemsen, Women's Elite winner Judith Friederike Rottmann. Free admission.

The anniversary edition of "Rund in Refrath" combined sport, tradition, and a neighborhood festival. Around 100 volunteers organized the races, security, and catering. Tour de France star Nils Politt was present as the guest of honor. The improved safety concept led to a smooth race day.

Highlights Rund in Refrath 2026

75th edition (uninterrupted since 1952)
Tour de France stage winner Nils Politt as guest of honor
100 volunteers, THW and ASB
Volksfest character with catering

Programme Rund in Refrath 2026

Thursday, May 14, 2026 — Schedule

Morning: Youth races U11 to U19
Midday: Women's Elite, Hobby, and club categories
Afternoon: Juniors and Elite/CT (main race)
Catering with coffee, cake, bratwurst, beer throughout the day
Award ceremonies after each race

Selected Results

Elite/CT Winner: Robin Willemsen (Team Kern-Haus) — 1:29:10
Women's Elite Winner: Judith Friederike Rottmann (Team Minimax) — 1:15:27
U11 Winner: Julien Frechen (RSV Staubwolke)
Guest of Honor: Nils Politt

Prices Rund in Refrath 2026

Spectator admission free. Catering at a charge.

Practical information

Practical information — Rund in Refrath

2026 Date

Thursday, May 14, 2026 (Ascension Day). 2026 races already held.

Location

Frankenforster Straße, 51427 Bergisch Gladbach-Refrath.

Organizer

RSV Staubwolke Refrath e.V. (founded 1952).

Spectators

Free admission, catering along the track.

Getting There

S-Bahn S11 to Bergisch Gladbach, then bus to Frankenforster Straße. By car via A4 (exit Bensberg).

Ascension Day in Refrath — A Cycling Event Since 1952

There are only a few cycling races in Germany that have been held uninterrupted for over seven decades. "Rund in Refrath" belongs to this small selection. Since the founding of RSV Staubwolke Refrath e.V. in 1952, the race has been held every year on Ascension Day on Frankenforster Straße in Bergisch Gladbach-Refrath. In 2026, the 75th edition was celebrated on May 14, 2026.

Race Format — All Age Categories

The format is classic: Several races spread throughout the day, each in its own age category:

U11, U13, U15, U17, U19 — Junior and youth categories
Juniors, Elite (CT), Seniors — Adult categories
Women's Elite — Separate category
Hobby and club categories

2026 Results — A Selection

Elite/CT: Winner Robin Willemsen (Team Kern-Haus) in 1:29:10. Third place Jan Madalinski (RSV Staubwolke/Team Kern-Haus) in 1:29:12.
Women's Elite: Winner Judith Friederike Rottmann (Team Minimax) in 1:15:27. Third place Julia Kierdorf (RSV Staubwolke) in 1:15:32.
U11: Dominant victory for Julien Frechen (RSV Staubwolke).
U17: Pelle Laufer (RSV Staubwolke) 2nd place.
U19: Gabriel Simon (RSV Staubwolke) 3rd place.

Guest of Honor Nils Politt

In 2026, Tour de France stage winner Nils Politt was the guest of honor and personally congratulated the youngest participants. A moment that was an unforgettable highlight of the day for many young riders.

Volksfest Character and Volunteer Spirit

"Rund in Refrath" is not just a sport. It is also a neighborhood festival: catering with drinks, coffee, cake, and bratwurst, spectators along the entire route, live commentary. Around 100 volunteers secure the course and catering, supported by THW and ASB. In 2026, the race took place under predominantly dry conditions and was accompanied by the club's improved safety concept.

Refrath and Bergisch Gladbach

Refrath is one of the most populous districts of Bergisch Gladbach in the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis in North Rhine-Westphalia. The town is located east of Cologne at the transition from the Rhineland to the Bergisches Land. Frankenforster Straße is one of Refrath's main traffic arteries and is completely closed on race day.