Rich prefers car

By Bjorn Haake in Teningen, Germany

Michael Rich was one of the most successful riders of the Gerolsteiner team. He retired in 2006. Rich won the German national time trial championships several times, including when it was held in his hometown of Reute in 2003. He also won the Bayern Rundfahrt three times, the last time in 2005.

Now, he is the directeur sportif for Gerolsteiner. At the team presentation he acknowledged that in a way being a director is easier. "If I look at the weather I think I prefer sitting in the car during the race," Rich smiled.

But it is not entirely easy following the racers behind. "When I sit in the car for so long I sometimes feel it in my back. Being in the same position for so long is a bit tough."