Celebrities cycle through Hamburg Anke Harnack & Moritz Fürste
Cycling has numerous benefits - fresh air, a healthy amount of exercise and flexibility are just a few of them. These two celebrities particularly appreciate the change of perspective on getting around on two wheels, which shows them a completely different side of Hamburg. Anke Harnack - journalist, reporter and presenter - and Moritz Fürste - field hockey player and Olympic champion - talk about what they associate with cycling and why, for them, it's as much a part of Hamburg as the fish sandwich and the neighborhood.
Anke Harnack was born on the island of Rügen, studied business law and has lived and worked in Hamburg since 2000. Initially she was a freelancer, then a reporter and presenter at Norddeutscher Rundfunk. However, Hamburgers know her voice not only from television and radio, but also from suburban and subway stops; since 2013, she has been the voice of Hamburg's elevated railroad. In 2019, Anke Harnack ended her collaboration with NDR; today she is a coach, trainer and board member at the St. Michaelis Foundation.
What do you like most about cycling?
Anke: Airing out and getting ahead without traffic jams at the same time: I really appreciate that - even in bad weather. Riding a bike is the easiest way to get more exercise in my everyday life and to increase the range of motion for the family. For example, we can easily transport everything we need for a summer picnic on a bike. What's more, there's no need to search for a parking space on a bike, which is a really strong argument for a passionate car driver like me!
Why do you like to ride your bike in the Hanseatic city?
Anke: I've been using the bike since the first Corona lockdown for my trips to the weekly market, to daycare, to work appointments, and of course for trips with the family. The routes are usually between two and almost 15 kilometers long, which offers plenty of variety. Especially when I'm on the road without time pressure, I discover the city again from a new perspective on the bike: From the car or with the elevated train, it was already familiar to me for a long time, the bike now often leads me again on new paths. I like that very much.
Why should more Hamburgers switch to bicycles?
Anke: I generally prefer to hold back on giving advice. Only everyone can discover their own passion for movement with a constant supply of fresh air. The safety aspect probably plays a role for all those who are still hesitant. And I admit: My fear always sits on the luggage carrier. There is definitely room for improvement in terms of considerate interaction in urban traffic. I'm convinced that the more people ride their bikes, the more important it will be that everyone obeys the rules and is reminded of them. That's why I'm always pleased to see the Hamburg police cycling squad: they make cycling safer for all of us.
Moritz Fürste was born in Hamburg and has remained loyal to his hometown to this day. Since his youth he has played field hockey for Uhlenhorster HC, with whom he won the Euro Hockey League five times. From 2005 to 2016 he was part of the German national field hockey team, in 2012 he became a world hockey player and twice, in 2008 and 2012, he won the Olympic gold medal with his team. In 2017, he founded the sports marketing company Upsolut Sports, where he remains a managing partner to this day. He also co-hosts the podcast "Trainingsschnack - Ungefährliches Halbwissen aus der Sportwelt" with Imke Salander.
What do you associate with cycling?
Moritz: I associate family with cycling. Currently, especially teaching and explaining road traffic. My daughters are just starting out on bikes. I actually only ride cargo bikes. It's practical for shopping and for the distances that are still too far for the little ones. I also discover Hamburg from new angles on the bike. From the car, you don't see Hamburg with the same eyes.
Where do you like to cycle in the Hanseatic city?
Moritz: along the Alster. It doesn't get any more beautiful than that!
Why should more Hamburgers switch to cycling?
Moritz: Because it's healthy. Exercise is important and, especially in the small city of Hamburg, you can get almost anywhere in 20 minutes anyway.
