By Bjorn Haake in Pla de Beret
Team Gerolsteiner riders are not the only ones looking for jobs with departure of the sponsor at season-end. There are many other staff members looking for employment, one of them is bus driver Andreas Meyer.
Like the riders, Meyer is busy talking with potential employers. "I have already made some inquiries and also gotten some answers back. But I will really look at it after the Vuelta." He revealed he may have found a potential – non-cycling – team.
Meyer has been with Gerolsteiner for as long as the team has been around, although only the last three years "as a full time job." Before, it was more of a hobby.
Meyer is confident that many of the riders would find a new job, especially those that rode the Tour de France. He didn't think Gerolsteiner's departure had anything to do with the team's performance this season. "I don't think anybody would have guessed that. The riders always have to perform well and present themselves."
Meyer looked at the end of his assignment with mixed feelings. "It was definitely a great time that I wouldn't want to miss it, but it is also nice to do something new."
For now, Meyer is enjoying the Vuelta's golden days. "Last year, I would have said the Vuelta was more relaxed. But this year our Tour was incredibly relaxed." He agreed that the Vuelta is quieter and it also very well organised. From the bus driver's view, the lack of transfers is a plus. There was only one major transfer thus far. "And what are 600 kilometres? The drive to the start was 2,500 kilometres!"
(Additional editorial assistance provided by Susan Westemeyer)
