Suche
Mein Konto
Cologne in a state of emergency: Triathlon & DFB game cause traffic chaos!
The triathlon and a national team football game will take place in Cologne on September 7, 2025, which will lead to significant traffic restrictions.
Cologne in a state of emergency: Triathlon & DFB game cause traffic chaos!
On Sunday, September 7th, 2025, the sporting heart of Cologne will shine in its best light, as two major events are on the program: the Cologne Triathlon and the World Cup qualifier between the German national team and Northern Ireland. While the athletes are fighting for the best times in the triathlon, the football fans are faced with the challenge of getting to the Rhein-Energie Stadium in time for kick-off.
The Cologne Triathlon is expected, a colorful spectacle in which up to 4,000 sports enthusiasts will take part. The competitions start early in the morning: the middle distance starts at 8 a.m. in the Deutzer Hafen, followed by the Olympic distance at 10.30 a.m. and the sprint distance at 1.30 p.m., which starts at the Deutzer Bridge. There is great anticipation for the many spectators as the athletes prepare for swimming, cycling and running.
Traffic disruptions in the city center
But there is no question that the city runs a little differently that day. Cologne Cathedral and the adjacent streets will be severely affected by traffic restrictions. A large number of streets around the city center, the Rheinuferstrasse in a northerly direction and the Deutzer Bridge in a direction towards the city are moderately closed so that the athletes can complete their route unhindered. These closures are expected from around 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can have a significant impact on travel to both events. The German Football Association (DFB) therefore recommends avoiding affected roads and using public transport to get to the stadium in a relaxed manner, such as the sports show reported.
There will also be special closures to ensure cycling and running competitions can take place. These include the Auenweg from Deutz train station and Mindener Straße, which leads towards Deutzer Brücke. As part of the running competition, Charles-de-Gaulle-Platz and the Kennedy-Ufer between it and Rheinparkweg will be inaccessible to car traffic. Footpaths along the route will also be closed for the duration of the event.
A pressure on the football stage
In the shadow of the triathlon is the DFB team, which will try to relieve the pressure after the recent defeat against Slovakia (0-2) in the game at 8.45 p.m. against Northern Ireland, the second of six qualifying games in Group A. The omens are not easy, especially for football fans who want to travel from different parts of the city, while the triathlon is causing major traffic disruptions, like the Rundschau reported.
The DFB urgently appeals to fans to keep the prevailing traffic conditions in mind and to prepare for alternative travel options. The recommendation to avoid the roads is more than just an advice - it is a necessity. Especially at times when traffic plays such a big role, it is advisable to leave in good time to enjoy both events and not miss a moment.
So while Cologne shines in sporting splendor this Sunday, we can only hope that both triathletes and footballers give their best - and that fans can get lost not only in the traffic chaos, but above all in the atmosphere of these events.