The Werkself mounted their bikes at 09.30 CET in Bad Bertrich with Koblenz as the target destination. 90 kilometres a day are on the agenda and the first 25 kilometres saw the group travel a delightful route through the vineyards along the Moselle – there was definitely a touch of quality relaxation in this environment. "Wonderful," was the assessment of head coach Heiko Herrlich, "I can well imagine going for a ride here with my children."
The nature of the route suddenly changed after the first short break in Senheim. The Bayer 04 pros then faced a more exerting mountain section with a rise of 200 metres over 1.6 kilometres. The Werkself split into three teams for this challenge with the time at the target destination measured against the last rider of each group. The search was on for kings of the mountain in the squad: Victory went to captain Lars Bender with his team including new signing Mitchell Weiser and 'mountain flea' Leon Bailey.
The reward for the winning sextet included an appropriate external recognition with a white ribbon with a red dot – reminiscent of the shirt worn by the best mountain rider in the Tour de France. "It was logical that we made the running as our team was brilliant and we pushed ourselves," said Lars Bender with a grin. At the end of the day it wasn't down to the ability to push as the other groups led by Sven Bender and Kevin Volland certainly put a shift in on the saddle. The assessment of the Werkself skipper: "It's a good change and it's great fun even if a few of us have got aching legs tonight."
At the halfway stage after 45 kilometres it was time for a refuelling stop in Cochem. After lunch the group travelled as a closed formation towards the destination of Koblenz. Recovery and regeneration are on the agenda at the hotel – and the Bayer 04 physios will certainly have their hands full massaging tired calf muscles.
On Monday the cycling fraternity will travel 85 kilometres from Koblenz to Bonn with the final 55 kilometres on Tuesday as the Werkself head home to the BayArena. After two days off on Wednesday and Thursday, the next open training session will be on Friday at 16.00 CET.
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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