Mr Wegmann, what do you think makes the Sparkassen Münsterland GIRO special?
The race is known among the riders for its very good organisation. The City of Münster is responsible for that, by the way. The team from the sports office with Rainer Bergmann and Jana Mathmann at the helm does a really great job year after year. Together with many committed volunteers, of course. The track safety is extraordinarily good - which is, by the way, a point that is extremely important to the riders. There have been serious accidents in other countries - fortunately not here so far.
The Sparkassen Münsterland GIRO also attracts many amateur cyclists to Münsterland every year. What is the significance of the Everyman races in the context of the entire event?
The Everyman races are a very important part of the overall concept. We offer not only adult amateur cyclists but also children and young people a special experience with the "Fat Tyre Race", the "Kids Cup" and the "GIROlino" for the very young. By the way, the races are also an important factor for the city of Münster, when the hobby racers arrive with family, friends and spend the night in the city.
Apart from the fixed destination of Münster, the route of the professional race changes every year. How do you plan the course and involve the participating cities and municipalities?
It is the basis of the concept that the race starts in a different district every year. We always try to include certain sections that we know. The attractiveness of the routes also plays a role. The sports office clarifies the possibility of cooperation with the potential participating municipalities.
For many participating towns, 3 October is a holiday in more ways than one.
That's right, it is also a day of community. Local cycling clubs and other volunteers are often involved. Many places make a city festival out of the whole event, which, by the way, is broadcast worldwide on TV and thus presents Münsterland. My experience is that people who have taken part once want to take part again later. I also notice that with the Germany Tour, which I also help organise.
How do Rainer Bergmann and you manage to bring top teams and riders to Münsterland year after year?
The Sparkassen Münsterland GIRO has been an absolutely established event for over 15 years. There is an international categorisation for professional races. Here we are in the second highest category. That means there are many so-called UCI points, which attracts the riders and teams. And if you look at the results lists, there are very prominent names there - besides many top German sprinters, there are also international names like Marc Cavendish or Tom Boonen. In a sport like cycling, which is rich in tradition, that plays a big role.
As a professional cyclist, can you actually enjoy the beauty of a region during a Tour de France stage when you are not quite so challenged?
That does happen, because you don't ride the whole 3,500 kilometres at full speed. Especially in the flat stages, you can sit in the back when the group is stationary. Then you can ride for two or three hours with a pulse of 110 and enjoy the scenery.
Do you still remember your first competitive race as a child or teenager?
Definitely. There used to be a cycling race every year here in the Aaseestadt in Münster, where I live again today. I used to stand at the side of the road and watch it with fascination. It's a great thing for any child to see cyclists racing along the road at 60 km/h. I definitely wanted to do that too. I definitely wanted to do that too.
Later you were a successful professional cyclist yourself for a long time and today you are, among other things, the race director of the professional race at the Sparkassen Münsterland GIRO. What are your tasks there?
I support Rainer Bergmann in putting together the field of riders - i.e. the professional teams - and keep in touch with them. That is my main task. On the day of the event, I start the race, drive ahead in the car and coordinate the commissioners of the UCI (International Cycling Union) and the BDR (German Cyclists' Federation).
