Cycling in the heart of the city- for the hearts of young athletes
In 1993, the International Kids Tour was launched in Berlin.
Founder Jens-Holger Mey pursued two goals. With the sporting competition of children from many nations, a sign for international understanding should be set. At the same time, the Kids Tour was a reward for the hard work and dedication of the children in the tough sport of cycling. The tour quickly developed into a center of attraction for young athletes from all over Germany and many European countries. This aura soon helped it to earn the nickname "Tour de France of the children" in the media.
With helpers from many member clubs, the Kids Tour was organized from the beginning by the community of the Berlin Cycling Association. Many illustrious names of later professionals in the start and result lists show the importance of the tour for cycling. Early on, for example, one could observe the talents of the Germans Maximilian Schachmann, John Degenkolb, Maurice Ballerstedt or the later international stars Oscar Gatto and Tadej Pogacar.
Another junior tour in Berlin was the Tour de Berlin, which was held since 2001 as the successor to the Berlin Four Stage Tour. This tour awarded world ranking points in the U23 class. National and regional teams met with also well-known names, such as Marcel Sieberg or Linus Gerdemann.
For a while, both Berlin tours had in common that they held stages in the heart of the city on the Kurfürstendamm. But stricter regulations, rising costs and other interests of urban development made it increasingly difficult to hold them and also pushed the Kids Tour to the outskirts of the city and eventually into the surrounding countryside.
The Berlin Cycling Association and its newly elected board would now finally like to see children and cycling receive more attention from the Berlin public again. New partners in the network and constructive talks with the Berlin administration will make it possible to realize these goals this year. Attractive venues have been generated with the Gatow airfield, the Pfaueninsel and the Olympic Stadium. A new name combines the traditions of the Kids Tour and the U23 stage ride.
This is the Tour de Berlin- International Youngsters Race.
2023 should be the start of a further sustainable development of the tour for the young athletes. The Berlin Cycling Association is looking forward to fair and exciting races, many new talents and committed partners who support young cycling.
The 3 days stage tour starts with an attractive program. We look forward to seeing you at the Kick-off event in the heart of Berlin
Photos by Drew Kaplan
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