Having been involved with passion for many years
For Janina Weber, the BR Cycle Tour story began during her apprenticeship at Bavarian Broadcasting. Today, she is responsible for the overall management of the large-scale project and can look back on many years of experience. "Over a decade has passed, and I've taken many steps – and steps – behind me," she says. "What has remained and grown is the fascination and the responsibilities surrounding the BR Cycle Tour project." What she remembers most vividly is not individual stages or concerts, but the people behind the event.
"In my leadership position, I am particularly touched when people who have been involved in the project for months greet me on the day of the event stressed but beaming with joy, and afterwards tell me about very individual special moments."
More than a cycling trip
What has made the BR Cycle Tour so special for decades is the combination of a cycling trip and a festival experience. "There are countless cycling trips and concert events. The combination of the two is rare. And probably nothing comparable to the history and scale of the BR Cycle Tour," says Weber.
The tour enters its 35th year in 2026 and has remained true to its original concept. As a public broadcaster, Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) pursues far more than just sporting goals. "As a non-commercial organizer, we offer easy access to exercise, sustainable mobility, community, as well as culture and experiences at family festivals with a concert atmosphere. And by reporting daily on the BR Cycle Tour – on television, radio, and digitally – we present the unique regional diversity of Bavaria to a broad audience."
Over a distance of more than 600 kilometers, participants experience Bavaria from a unique perspective. Thousands of people line the roads, welcoming the cyclists at the finish lines or celebrating together at the evening events. "Thanks to strong partnerships and collaborations, where everything works seamlessly together, BR will be able to host this remarkable large-scale event again in 2026."
Why Oberammergau was chosen
After more than three decades of tour history, finding suitable stage locations is far from easy. "After three decades with stops all over Bavaria, it's not so simple to continually find new places that meet the organizational and logistical requirements and also fit well into the route." The joy was all the greater when the talks with Oberammergau became more concrete. "Incorporating Oberammergau into the route does mean slightly longer stages – but the journey will be more than worthwhile," says Weber. "And not just because the panorama is spectacular and the town center is beautiful."
With just under 5.000 inhabitants, Oberammergau is one of the smaller towns on the BR Cycle Tour. Weber sees this as part of its special appeal. "This often makes it more difficult for a municipality to organize a large event like this – but the result is usually all the more special. You can feel the sense of community, the cooperation, and the solution-oriented approach." The BR Cycle Tour's guiding principle is also particularly evident in Oberammergau: "'Traveling together' is the motto of the BR Cycle Tour, which we want to highlight not only on the bikes but also in the many areas of activity involved in the event."
Her previous discussions with local officials had reinforced her assessment: "The diverse conversations I had in and with Oberammergau always gave me the impression that I was exactly where I belonged. I am already certain that the BR cycling tour will be unforgettable in Oberammergau as well."
A joint effort by many partners
An event of this scale can only succeed if many partners work together. Municipalities, associations, volunteers, and tourism organizations play a crucial role. "In cooperation with regional and national tourism associations, a municipality can operate much more comprehensively and in a more diverse way," explains Weber. From welcoming guests and presenting regional specialties to providing personnel support, valuable synergies are created. "Working hand in hand, we create synergies for everyone involved in the BR Cycle Tour."
Behind the scenes: Planning from A to Z
Planning for a BR cycling tour begins long before the route is officially presented. Many ideas are generated during an ongoing tour or even years in advance. "The initial ideas for some key aspects of future tours often emerge during the ongoing tour planning," reports Weber. But before an idea becomes a viable concept, many factors have to align.
"The biggest challenge will likely be the constant flexibility – essentially a continuous revision from Plan B to Z."
Their core team consists of just three people. "My core team of three is constantly on the go, on the phone, in meetings, and basically always in the midst of finding a solution." Changes to plans are therefore part of everyday life. "With so many people involved and individual projects taking place simultaneously but in different locations, changes to plans are part of everyday life. This makes the work challenging, but also exciting."
What participants can expect
The BR Cycle Tour offers far more than just varied stages and impressive landscapes. "For cyclists, in addition to the diverse routes, landscapes, towns, and panoramas, the fact that it's safe to cycle on paved roads is certainly a big draw," says Weber. Added to this are the evening events with free open-air concerts and a diverse supporting program. However, for her, the true heart of the event lies elsewhere: "The core of the event and its unique atmosphere stem from the human element."
Around 1.000 people of diverse ages and backgrounds spend a week together cycling. "The BR Cycle Tour offers easy access to shared experiences, the topic of cycling, and the diverse impressions and events throughout the tour week."
Inclusion also plays an important role. "Even if, unfortunately, not everything can always be perfectly tailored to every need at such a large event, everyone involved makes every effort. On the BR cycling tour, everyone helps each other so that everyone can enjoy a great week together."
Weber describes what ultimately makes the tour so special in simple terms: "People stick together, they achieve something together – regardless of who they are or what kind of bike they ride." And when spectators cheer on the participants along the route, hold up signs, or even greet them with music, the special spirit of the event becomes visible. "We all have a sense of community and a shared sense of belonging – sometimes you just have to make it visible in a crowd."
How the BR cycling tour sustainably strengthens regions
The impact of the BR cycling tour does not end with the final stage finish.
“The BR cycling tour has a lasting effect,” says Weber – a sentence she regularly hears in conversations with host towns.
Many participants discover regions they have never visited before. "Participants and evening guests alike arrive at places they have never been to and perhaps would never have otherwise visited." Since there is usually little time during the tour to explore each location in detail, a second visit often follows. "After a brief visit to the stops on the BR Cycle Tour, there is definitely an incentive to return in the future."
But the event leaves its mark not only on tourism. It also has a lasting impact within the host towns. "Overcoming challenges together – and creating a fantastic experience for so many people amidst all the tasks – that forges a strong bond and has a lasting effect."
"Unique"
During the tour, Janina Weber isn't just at her desk, she's also in the saddle herself. As the leader of the peloton, she coordinates the speed, liaises with the police, and keeps the big picture in mind. "Something always turns out differently than expected," she says with a smile.
Describing the BR cycling tour in three words is still difficult for her. "Strangely enough, it's easier for me to describe it in one word: Unique!"
And her advice to anyone considering joining in? "Just do it!"
Those who would like to experience the unique atmosphere firsthand can gather initial impressions at the BR Cycle Day. For everyone else, there's still plenty of time to prepare for the BR Cycle Tour 2027. One thing is already certain: when the BR Cycle Tour 2026 stops in Oberammergau, participants, guests, and locals can look forward to an extraordinary shared experience against a breathtaking Alpine backdrop.