Michael Adami (39) from Wessobrunn had felt like the sure winner of the nationwide city cycling in the category "City Cycling Stars", he rode 5173 kilometers on his racing bike. But then Werner Messing from Rhede (North Rhine-Westphalia) reported 1700 kilometers and brought it to 5752 kilometers. Messing, 2nd Mayor of Rhede, explains how this came about in an interview.
Mr. Messing, let's be honest, did you cheat?
No, certainly not, I couldn't afford that. But since I finished a week earlier, Adami could have outdone me. That's why I took advantage of the statutes and registered my kilometers a week later. But I haven't won yet, the city cycling goes nationwide until September 30th.
So you've always looked at how many kilometers your fiercest competitor has driven?
Of course, as he probably does. I knew exactly how many kilometers he drove per day on average and reacted accordingly. I then drove an average of over 270 kilometres per day to be in front.
Can you understand that Michael Adami holds a certain grudge?
Of course I can understand that, I would have reacted the same way. But that's a matter of the system in city cycling. Respect for Mr Adami. The athletic performance is not comparable anyway. I'm 68 years old and I've been riding an e-bike; I am also an insulin-dependent diabetic. Here in Münsterland, everything is flat, there were no traffic lights on my main route, I never really had to brake.
Why was it so important for you to win?
That was important to me, but first and foremost I wanted to know where my performance limit as a diabetic was. I got up every day at 4.30 a.m. and left an hour later, usually until 21.30 p.m. in the evening. I had four batteries at my disposal. The many kilometers of Mr. Adami have motivated me additionally.
Speaking of motivation, what was the reason for your participation?
My wife and I cycle a lot, and I've often been involved in city cycling. First and foremost, I am committed to a good cause, this time to five institutions, including the Gerald Asamoah Foundation for children with heart disease. This time I collected over 5000 euros through city cycling, which I have already handed over to the individual institutions. I've also visited all the Bundesliga soccer clubs with my e-bike and collected money.
Will you participate again next year?
Yes, of course, but no longer in the category "City Cycling Stars". You only do that once in a lifetime.
You can also read the interview with Michael Adami, who criticizes the evaluation of city cycling.