Volksbank and Ullrich: "The sensation is perfect!"

By Susan Westemeyer

Austria's Team Volksbank and Jan Ullrich will work together, with the German star playing "a deciding role in the future of the Volksbank Team," the Professional Continental team announced Monday, shortly after Ullrich announced his retirement.

Team Manager Thomas Kofler said, "This is not an ordinary job for Jan Ullrich but a passion. He will use his experience to build the healthy basis for a secure future for the Volksbank team. Jan Ullrich fits wonderfully in our concept: We will keep on our path and go after the big goals with small steps. And who knows, perhaps we can nibble at some of the bigger teams in the foreseeable future. Ullrich's charisma will help our riders outside of the races, too. I am optimistic and look forward to our joint future with one of the most colourful and popular personalities of the German-speaking cycling world."