Champignons, but no champagne - from El Niño #02
DMFK. That stands for German Bicycle Courier Championships. Yes, there is one. And not only that, there is also the annual European and World Championships. Instead, the Cycle Messenger World Championships, which have been held almost continuously since 1993, first in Berlin, and the more local variants are completely self - organized . The next venue is decided by those present.
Bicycle couriers are one of the most connected professional groups in the world. All of us know people in our profession somewhere else in the world. The championships are by no means just for couriers in the respective country - participation is open to messengers from all over the world.
This year we met in Cologne for the DMFK. I arrived as defending champion in the “Cargobike/Open” category, the open group for cargo bikes, but unfortunately I “only” came second. The FLINTA* category creates fairer conditions - there is an international set of rules for this.
The championships usually follow the same pattern: on Thursday and Saturday there is a lot of social interaction, partying, small races, fun events, concerts, etc. Then on Saturday there are the qualifying rounds for the final on Sunday. A secured course with sponsor checkpoints is driven; in Cologne there were 9. Participants are given a map of the area and during the race so-called manifestos are handed out, which determine which order they are to drive in. Replaying everyday working life, the best possible combination should be used. If a manifesto is full of stamps in the shortest possible distance, the next one is given at the race HQ: for three hours. Whoever submits the most full manifestos and additional tasks to the HQ within the time limit wins. The evaluation usually lasts until late at night, while the participants pour everything except champagne on themselves.
In July there is the ECMC (European Cycle Messenger Championships) in Lausanne and two weeks later the CMWC in Zurich, so much in expensive Switzerland! A solidarity system provides relief and ensures that the ticket price is adjusted for different incomes, which includes everything you need.
“El Niño 02” is part of the worker-led bike courier company Crow, which aims to replace cars with bicycles, through cargo bike transport and bicycle repairs, for a better quality of life for everyone and without bosses.
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