The strain rate dependent bending behaviour of carbon fibre-reinforced composites is investigated, whereby three different textile configurations such as a non-crimp fabric, a woven fabric and a triaxial braiding are considered. Experimental investigations have been performed at a servo hydraulic test system in combination with a high speed camera for optical at high strain rates. Finally, strain rate dependent material properties determined in bending tests and a phenomenologically based damage and failure analysis of the considered textile configurations are presented.