The 44th annual Tour der Hoffnung charity cycling event raised 150,000 euros through regional efforts in Fulda and Schlitz to support cancer research and care for children and adolescents, according to regional organizers. Running from August 6 to August 8, the 255-kilometer ride brought together approximately 200 participants across Hesse, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt to fund pediatric oncology projects.
Route and Participants of the 44th Tour der Hoffnung
The charity ride kicked off on August 6 in the Gießen region, featuring local donation handovers and supporter meetings before participants traveled to Magdeburg. According to event organizers, the second stage on August 7 led the peloton to Halle (Saale), concluding on August 8 with a final leg ending at the pediatric oncology ward of Leipzig University Hospital.
Approximately 200 cyclists participated in this year’s tour, representing fields including medicine, trades, business, politics, and sports. Saxony Minister President Michael Kretschmer and Saxony-Anhalt Minister President Sven Schulze served as patrons for the event, with Schulze actively riding one of the stages alongside the peloton. Additional notable participants included former boxing world champion Henry Maske, biathlete Sven Fischer, ski jumper Stefan Leyhe, cyclist Lisa Brennauer, cycling figures Olaf Ludwig and Felix Magath, and actor Johann von Bülow.
Regional Fundraising Contributions in Fulda and Schlitz
Regional supporters in Fulda and Schlitz contributed 150,000 euros to the cause. The Kinderkrebshilfe Schlitz raised funds through initiatives including an annual booth at the Schlitzer Weihnachtsmarkt beneath the large candle, alongside year-round fundraising events.
The Fulda organizer team coordinated contributions from multiple regional entities. Supporting organizations included Spotlight Musicals, Jolly Dent, Rotary Club Fulda, Lions Club Fulda, Stiftung Care, Wagner GmbH & Co., Zahntechnik Möser, EleWa Cards for Charity, Zahnarztpraxis Dr. Goebels & Dr. Rützel, Naturfloristik Unverblümt, and Stammtisch DD.
Distribution of Donations and Event History
According to event organizers, 100 percent of the collected donations are forwarded directly to facilities and projects such as children’s clinics, hospices, and research institutions. Sponsoring partners cover operational expenses to ensure that all contributed funds reach recipient organizations.
Established in 1983 in Gießen by Professor Lampert, the Tour der Hoffnung has grown into one of Germany’s prominent charity cycling events. The ride maintains a recurring presence in East Hesse, having previously made official stops in Fulda in 2013 and 2022.
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