Cyclists honoured in German Athlete of the Year Awards

By Susan Westemeyer

Cycling cracked the top ten in two categories of the German Athlete of the Year Awards, but world champion Regina Schleicher was not among them. The only individual pro rider to make the short list was CSC's Jens Voigt, who finished 10th in the balloting for the male athlete award. Jan Ullrich and Fabian Wegmann had also been nominated.

Team Gerolsteiner took a surprising sixth place in the team award, and the team showed itself more than satisfied with the placing, telling Cyclingnews, "The sixth place is a great confirmation of our concept, which is based on young German riders. At the same time we are also happy that our 23 season victories have been recognised for what they are -- namely, the collective achievement of a committed and motivated team."