Cycling: Farewell to Geschke: Philipsen wins Münsterland Giro

As farewell to old star Simon Geschke, Belgian sprint star Jasper Philipsen won the 18th edition of the Münsterland Giro. The nine-time Tour de France stage winner took victory in the sprint after 202 kilometers on the Schlossplatz in Münster ahead of his two compatriots Jordi Meeus and Milan Fretin.

The 38-year-old Geschke, who ended his long career in the race, played no role in the decision and rolled over the finish line a little behind. The best German was Max Walscheid in fifth place.

Peloton honors veteran gifts

Geschke announced before his last race that he would not drive through Münster waving. But he was given a special honor. Before the start in Haltern, the entire peloton lined up for the veteran, who won the mountain stage to Pra Loup in the Tour de France in 2015.

Geschke was part of the generation with Marcel Kittel, Tony Martin, André Greipel and the still active John Degenkolb, which still regularly ensured big victories. In 2022, the Berlin native fought his way into the hearts of cycling fans once again. For nine days he wore the famous polka dot jersey as the best climber in the Tour de France. However, on the last mountain stage he lost the jersey to the eventual overall winner Jonas Vingegaard.