When we organized the ‘Last One Standing’ at the Tempelhofer Feld in 2015, we never expected to be staging the biggest fixed gear criterium race in Germany just one year later. Held at same former airfield in Berlin, the 8bar Crit 2016 united many local riders – many of whom were competing in their first ever race – and international, experienced racers.
With almost 200 people entered in the 2016 edition, this is testament to how the crit family and community of fixed gear racing is growing. It can be summed up as a great summer’s day, one spent celebrating in the company of friends and everyone’s favourite vehicle: bikes.
A race to bring people together
By race day, more than 110 men and 25 women had signed up to race this fast and technical course. With a pair of long straights and two 180° turns, the 1,000m lap was well suited for spectators. Our chosen venue, the former Tempelhof airfield, is a popular haunt for Berliners looking to BBQ, sunbathe and get some fresh air and exercise, so there was a lively buzz on the race day.
Go fast to go faster
In the same style as the previous year, we kicked off with an open course at noon, followed by qualification heats, where every rider went for a hot lap, in time trial style. Their time clocked on this one lap would determine the starting grid for the finals. Last year’s fourth-place finisher, Simon Mateju from Defekt Crew broke 1:30 minute barrier and was the fastest male qualifier. Amongst the women, Karla Sommer from Team Schindelhauer Gates claimed pole position.
Second chance – last chance
Before the finals were due to take place, the male riders who had been unsuccessful in the qualifying heats and missed out on the Top 70 had the opportunity to compete in the ‘Last Chance Race’, seeing the top 10 in the race go directly to the finals. It was hotly contested and hard fought from the gun, with a leading group that led from the outset. With an hour to recover before the men’s final, it was time to sit back and watch the women’s final.
25 women racing – only one can win
After just three riders competing in last year’s event, the 2016 edition saw 25 women take to the start line, bringing with them a range of abilities and backgrounds. True to crit racing style, the quick early pace split the field into smaller groups. The lead consisted of six strong riders who have all featured in various races over the season – although not all of them have a background in fixed gear. The group was eclectic: Anne Terpstra, racing for the Ghost Factory Team, normally races mountain bikes and this was her debut in the fixed gear scene; regulars Sami and Carla from the 8bar Team; Karla Sommer; local racer Marion Dziwnik from Team Standert; and Paola Panzeri from Italy.
Over the 20 laps, there were countless attacks but no significant gaps were established. Thanks to the stacked field, the chasing women could build groups too. The race came down to a hair-raising final sprint, seeing Paola Panzeri from System Cars – Cinelli – RCT snatch the win ahead of Anne Terpstra and Karla Sommer.
Solo to the win
The men’s race began in similar fashion. With those tricky 180° turns meaning you had to reduce speed, the field was tightly packed as no one wanted to lose ground so early on. The speed increased on the straights, as riders fought to gain positions and move up the field. It only took a few laps before a gap opened between the first 30 riders and the rest of the field. Slowly but steadily, the sun was beginning to set through the race, granting it a very unique atmosphere and the excitement grew amongst the crowds at the finish line.
As the laps ticked away, the groups became smaller and riders got left behind. The leading group shrank after consistent attacks from regular fixed gear riders with a strong pedigree from the Red Hook Crits and other races. With six laps to go, Stefan Schäfer from Maloja Pushbikers was finally able to establish a gap. He showed his strength as a track racer and went solo for the rest of the race. The riders from Standert, The 5th Floor, 8bar team and East London Fixed proved unable to catch him. Stefan Schäfer crossed the finish line a cool five seconds before the bunch sprint, which Italy’s Alesandro Mariani / IRD Modena narrowly clinched ahead of Johannes Kilisperger from Mess Pack Berlin.
See you next year
The temperature was dropping as we held the podium ceremony and our volunteers began to clean up the track. Naturally, the after-party was great fun and we’re already looking forward to the next race.
We would like to thank everyone who came out to race, volunteer and cheer with us! Without you, there would be no race at all, literally! We also want to thank our sponsors for their invaluable support that made this event possible in the first place: adidas, Brooks England, DT Swiss, Berliner Fahrradschau, Ass Savers and List-n-Ride.
We hope to see you again next year for the 8bar Crit.
You can find all the results on the 8bar Crit Facebook-Page.
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Words: Hagen Lindner Photos: Stefan Haehnel/recentlie.com
