German Continental team to fold

By Hedwig Kröner

Another German team will very probably come to an end after this season. Continental squad Heinz von Heiden might be the third team to cease its activities this year after Team Notebooksbilliger and Wiesenhof, were also unable to find a sponsor to continue.

"That is very bitter," commented team director Roman Jördens to Radsportnews. "With our young and talented team, we had built up a good reputation throughout Germany." Jördens was still in negotiations with some possible sponsors, but didn't have too much hope as cycling has been in the line of fire in Germany all year because of various doping affairs and confessions.

Cyclo-cross youngster Philipp Walsleben earned the team its greatest victories this season by becoming German U23 champion and Worlds bronze medallist in the discipline this year. Former Team Coast pros Malte Urban and Christoph von Kleinsorgen are also part of the team's roster, but now have to look for another home. "The riders would like to stay, but some of them already have offers from other teams," said Jördens.