PR: Team Plasmatreat - RTS Electronic with a strong performance at the national league opener in Rheinzabern
Rheinzabern, April 6, 2025 - Team Plasmatreat - RTS Electronic presented itself in strong shape and with impressive unity at the start of the Lila Logistik Rad-Bundesliga for women. In challenging conditions, the team impressed with its team spirit, commitment and individual strength.
Sporting director Werner Grundkötter and team manager David Buske were able to call on a complete, healthy squad - only Nina Grohmann was missing for personal reasons. With 11 starters, the team had the largest field of participants on the day - a clear signal of the team's ambitious goals.
The focus was on the strong sprinter Gianna Schmieder and the experienced Katharina Venjakob, winner of the Riderman 2024. According to Grundkötter, the motto for the first race was: “No fixed tactics, just get to know the field and get actively involved.”
The almost 20 km long lap in Rheinzabern was a tough one: gusts of wind of up to 40 km/h tore the field apart early on. Nevertheless, Gianna Schmieder was able to hold her own in the peloton and finished in 16th place overall and 6th place in the U23 classification.
Her conclusion:
“The conditions were extremely exhausting, but I was able to hold my own in the field. I'm very happy with my performance and proud of the whole team.”
Sarah Hahn showed a strong fighting performance, but had to pay tribute to the high pace and was taken out of the race after the third lap.
Her analysis:
- First race of the season - very nervous
- Difficult positioning from the start
- Energy-sapping race, despite good legs
- Many lessons learned for the upcoming races
The biggest surprise came from Fenja Zehe, who had a strong race and finished in 38th place - Grundkötter praised:
"I knew what Fenja was made of - today she finally showed it. Hopefully that will give her a big mental boost."
Fenja herself describes her day as follows:
"I was excited and had a lot of respect for the Bundesliga opener. So I'm all the more pleased that I got into the race well and was able to deliver my performance. The team spirit was particularly motivating - we supported and pushed each other. This day has really whetted my appetite for more!"
Anna Schalk, a lateral entrant from the triathlon, also celebrated an impressive Bundesliga debut: “Anna needs races with longer distances - today she showed what she can do,” said team boss Buske approvingly.
Also equipped with triathlon experience, Svea Lüdorff battled in the main field for a long time, but had to pay tribute to the fast pace in the final kilometers and finished in the second chasing pack.
Katharina Venjakob was unlucky: she was involved in a crash on the very first lap. Despite putting up a great fight, she was unable to reach the main field. Nevertheless, Buske was confident: “She will fight back in Steinfurt - I'm sure of it.”
Lea-Sophie Rammert described her race as follows:
"The race started frosty and windy, but with sunshine. After an early crash that hit Katharina, I lost the connection to the peloton due to a gap. Nevertheless, we worked well together in the chasing pack and finished the race in the time limit. It was a positive experience that we can take a lot from - I'm looking forward to the next races, which should be a bit hillier!"
Outlook:
The second Bundesliga race of the season is scheduled for next Sunday in Steinfurt. Team Plasmatreat - RTS Electronic is looking ahead with motivation and wants to build on the strong team performance in Rheinzabern.
