Celebrities cycle through Hamburg Laura Ludwig & Imke Salander
Cycling has many benefits – fresh air, a healthy amount of exercise and flexibility are just some of them. That's why even professional athletes like to get on their bikes in their spare time. Laura Ludwig – beach volleyball player and Olympic champion – and Imke Salander – runner and fitness influencer – talk about what they associate with cycling and why, for them, it is as much a part of Hamburg as the fish sandwich and the Kiez.
Laura Ludwig was born in Berlin and has been playing beach volleyball since 1999. In 2013, she went from Hertha BSC to HSV, became Olympic champion in 2016 and world champion in 2017. Before that, she was European champion several times, German champion, beach volleyball player of the year nine times in a row, and she won several Grand Slams. Laura Ludwig is currently ranked sixth in Germany and 18th in the world. She is currently preparing for the Olympic qualification for the 2024 Summer Games in Paris after a brief maternity break.
What do you particularly like about cycling?
Laura: I especially like the flexibility, the fresh air and the fact that it's much easier to find a parking space. From where I live, I can get anywhere quickly by bike. I like this simplicity. I often put my son in the bike seat and just ride off, to friends or to the shops.
Why do you like cycling in Hamburg?
Laura: I like the routes along the Alster and around the Eilbek Canal. The routes on the other side of Uhlenhorst are also nicely developed. But I also like cycling so much because it always gives me different insights into the city and my neighbourhood. For example, I always discover new parks and cafés.
Why should more Hamburg residents switch to cycling?
Laura: Everyone should decide for themselves, of course. But especially when you work a lot and sit a lot, it's worth taking time to exercise. Besides, cycling is great for relieving stress.
Imke Salander was born in Hamburg, is a sprinter, middle-distance runner and record holder in the trend sport Hyrox. However, she is also successful outside of sport as a presenter (e.g. DAZN), actress, model, personal coach and influencer. She also hosts the podcast "Trainingsschnack – Ungefährliches Halbwissen aus der Sportwelt" with Moritz Fürste. For her hometown, she is the main ambassador of the "Clean Hamburg" initiative.
What do you particularly like about cycling?
Imke: The flexibility! I don't have to wait for a train or look up the best way to change trains to get from A to B. I also like to walk, but usually the bike is a huge time-saver.
Why do you like cycling in Hamburg?
Imke: Because you can experience a total change of scenery, even on short journeys. From the Schanze to the Kiez and down to the harbour, it's 20 minutes at the most – and you get countless different impressions of the city.
Why should more Hamburg residents switch to cycling?
Imke: On the one hand, to bring more activity back into our lives. But also to learn to appreciate the beauty of movement in the fresh air in a beautiful city. It also toughens you up when it comes to "bad" weather.
