First held in 1911 and won by German Hans Ludwig, the race had enormous potential. However, the dreams born in 1911 of a race that would eventually carry the same prestige as the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia were dashed with the onset of World War I. After the devastation endured during the war years, the race did not appear on the scene again until 1922. Although the political climate of Europe had mellowed a bit since the war, Germany's national race was isolated. When held in 1922, all but 3 of the race participants participants were German. The race again took a hiatus, running only once (1927) until its return in 1930.

Preparations for the 1930 edition brought a resolve to fulfill the dream of 20 years prior to build a truly magical race. The rewards were realized a year later. 1931 was a breakout year with a truly international field. Teams from each of cycling's most prominent countries were in attendance, including marquee riders Nicolas Frantz and Maurice De Waele, winners of the 1927 and 1929 Tour de France, respectively. The race was a resounding success, with German Erich Metze winning by a margin of just over 1 minute. Despite its success in 1931, the race once again went into dormancy, not to reemerge until 1937.

When the race resurfaced in 1937, it again drew a quality international field. The race looked like it finally had traction and was held like clockwork for the next three years. Alas, war clouds were once again forming over Europe. World War II derailed the race until 1947.

Obviously, World War II fostered divisive attitudes in Europe. Although resumed in 1947, foreigners did not return to the race until 1950. Once the international teams returned, they returned with a vengeance. 1950 saw the first non-German winner; Roger Gyselnick of Belgium. Gyselnick crushed his opponents, winning by nearly 8 minutes. Strong fields had returned to Germany. However, the race could not keep its traction intact. The race was held sporadically until it fell of the racing calendar in 1962. It would not be held again until 1979.

1979 saw what was arguably the highest caliber international field ever assembled for the race. The dream of 1911 was finally fulfilled. The rider list had the depth of quality on par with any race in the world. Knetemann, Raas, Moser, Braun, Thevenet, De Vlaeminck,Thurau, Sercu, and Kelly were all present to contest the race. The next three editions carried equally strong fields.

After fading from view in 1982, the race resumed in 1999. Since then, the race has firmly established itself as an important addition to the international racing calendar. The race is well organized, has sizeable crowds of spectators, and is growing in stature. The race draws very strong teams, with the sentimental favorite being the German T-Mobile team. The original visionaries of 1911 would be proud.

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