Following in the footsteps of Around Cologne - South

Following in the footsteps of professional cyclists, this route takes you past numerous highlights of the "Rund um Köln" (Around Cologne) race. Your tour begins at the Schmitzebud in Cologne-Rath, a popular meeting point for cyclists. Ride along Rösrather Straße through Rösrath towards Hoffnungsthal. In Hoffnungsthal, keep right and take Rotdornallee to Lüghauser Straße towards Lüghausen. Here, the professionals tackle a mountain classification, closely followed by a sprint classification past the Hoffer Hof (K23). This is where the Bergische Korn Hoffer Alter is produced, a popular drink to conclude the traditional Bergische Kaffeetafel (coffee and cake spread). Upon reaching the L 84, turn left towards Overath via Heiligenhaus. The next mountain classification takes place here at Ferrenberg. Continue on the L 84 to Hohkeppel and then towards Immekeppel (L299). At the entrance to Immekeppel, turn right onto Weierberg, passing the farmhouse museum in Oberkühlheim, through Bärbroich, and on to Herkenrath. In Spitze, you'll find yourself at the heart of the Rund um Köln races. Here, you'll also connect to the northern route, "Following in the Footsteps of Rund um Köln," for particularly ambitious cyclists seeking even greater challenges and wishing to extend their tour. In Spitze, turn left onto Wipperfürther Straße (L286) through Herrenstrunden until you can turn left onto Dombach-Sander-Straße just before Bergisch Gladbach. Here, another mountain classification for the professionals takes place. The main route, Ommerbornstraße, leads you past the Schlosshotel Lerbach. The next, and arguably most famous, mountain classification of Rund um Köln is then held on the cobblestones at Schloss Bensberg. Afterwards, turn right towards Forsbach and, at the town entrance, turn right again onto Feldstraße (L170), following it until you reach Rather Mauspfad. This path leads you back to the starting point at Schmitzebud.

This route largely follows past and current sections of the Rund um Köln (Around Cologne) race. For ambitious road cyclists, the Rund um Köln amateur race in spring is a great option. More information and other routes can be found at [website address]. www.rundumkoeln.de.