German track specialist Jens Lehmann, 37, rode his farewell race Saturday in Leipzig and left cycling to devote himself to his new career in politics. A career that came to a crashing halt before it had even started - he garnered only 29 percent of the vote and had to congratulate his opponent.
Lehman had run for a seat in the German parliament under the Christian Democratic Union party. "I was irritated by my results," he said. "As an athlete, I don't like to come in second." Having completed two careers over the weekend, he doesn't know what he'll do next.
Lehmann is one of the most successful German track cyclists of the last decade, and won multiple world and Olympic titles.
Courtesy of Susan Westemeyer
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
