Comings and goings at Gerolsteiner

Oliver Zaugg is coming to Gerolsteiner, and Michael Rich is leaving -- among others. The 25-year-old Zaugg comes from Saunier Duval and has signed a two-year contract with the team, www.radsport-aktiv.de reports.

The Swiss rider is the fourth newcomer to Gerolsteiner next year. He joins Bernhard Kohl (T-Mobile), Carlo Westphal and Tim Klinger (both Wiesenhof-AKUD).

The team has extended contracts with Markus Zberg (for two years) and his brother Beat (one year), Fabian Wegmann (two years), Robert Förster (two years) and Volker Ordowski (one year).

Michael Rich, on the other hand, will be leaving, and most probably will end his active career. Rich, who turns 37 the end of September, has a long list of palmares, ranging from the 1989 "German champion in 50 km time trial" up to second place this year in the national time trial championships (he has won the title itself more than once). "He will surely stay with Team Gerolsteiner in some role or other," said spokesman Mathias Weiland.

Levi Leipheimer is also leaving the team, having signed with Discovery Channel. But more riders will be on their way out, too. "Three or four contracts won't be extended," said Wieland, without naming names.

Courtesy Susan Westemeyer.