87th International Sachsenring Cycling Race 2026

Cycling Race on the MotoGP Track

The Sachsenring near Hohenstein-Ernstthal in West Saxony has been one of the most famous motorcycle racing circuits in the world for decades — the venue for the German Grand Prix of the Motorcycle World Championship (MotoGP). What many don't know: Cycling also takes place on the 3.671-kilometer Grand Prix circuit — and has done so since 1948. The International Sachsenring Cycling Race is one of the most traditional cycling races in Germany; the 87th edition will take place on August 30, 2026.

Talent Incubator of German Cycling

What makes the Sachsenring special in cycling: The track with its curves, straights, and elevation changes tests all disciplines — sprint, mountain stage, tactics in the peloton. Many former winners of the Sachsenring Cycling Race have gone on to have careers at WorldTour level (UCI professional teams of the highest class). The race is therefore an important talent incubator for young German and Central European cycling. Licensed riders of various age groups (Youth, Juniors, U23, Elite, Seniors) and amateur riders start over a weekend.

Track and Classes

The Sachsenring Grand Prix circuit is 3.671 km long, has 13 corners (10 right-handers, 3 left-handers), an elevation difference of about 67 meters, and is considered an "rollercoaster for racers". The races on the Sachsenring Cycling Race weekend are divided into several classes with different distances:

• Elite Men — usually 100+ km on the main distance
• Juniors / U23 — shorter distance
• Women — own class
• Seniors / Masters — age groups
• Amateur Race — open to amateur riders

Season Opening on April 4

2026 is a double year at the Sachsenring: Already on Saturday, April 4, 2026, the 85th Sachsenring Cycling Race will take place as the season opening — a shorter format marking the spring start of the Central German racing season. The 87th edition at the end of August will then be the main event with a large field of participants and greater public interest.

Hohenstein-Ernstthal and the Sachsenring

Hohenstein-Ernstthal is located in the Zwickau district in West Saxony — known primarily for the Motorcycle World Championship. The Sachsenring originally emerged as a road racing circuit in the open terrain around the town, and was converted into a pure race track in 1996. Those visiting the cycling race should visit the "Karl May House" in Hohenstein-Ernstthal before or after — Karl May, the famous writer, was born here in 1842.