Münsterland Giro
Every year on October 3rd, Germany celebrates Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit). The public holiday marks the completion of the country’s reunification between East and West Germany. Coinciding with this national holiday is the Sparkassen Münsterland Giro, a 193 km “sprinter’s classic” from Emsdetten to Münster. Rally UHC Cycling took to the start for the first time and it was a battle the riders will not soon forget.
Heavy rains, high winds, and crashes took their toll and a number of riders were forced to abandon. Mixing it up in the finale was the in-form Robin Carpenter who was brought back into the fold for a reduced bunch sprint where he would finish in 30th. German photographer Fellusch embedded with the team and beautifully captured the historic race.
- Team director Pat McCarty leads the staff’s pre-race meeting.
- European service course manager Kevin Oliveira.
- Mechanic Antonio Mendez getting the bikes ready.
- Stem stickers with the day’s obstacles clearly labeled. Unless it’s raining. Then things get fuzzy.
- Kyle Murphy digging the presentation vibes.
- Ty Magner greets a local fan.
- Matteo Dal-Cin ended the day in the hospital with an expected broken collarbone. Tests were negative and he was discharged that evening.
- Bell and Roka perfectly pair with Robin Carpenter’s long locks.
- McCarty programs the route so he can call out strategy over the radio.
- Magner suffers a mechanical and drops back.
- A quick bike swap.
- An even quicker chase.
- In case the riders miss the orange jersey in the feedzone, they’re sure to catch Nelson’s smile.
- John Murphy calls it a day.
- Pier-André Coté’s parents made the trip from Québec, Canada.