Schleicher, Scholz retire from racing

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German riders Regina Schleicher and Ronny Scholz are taking their leave of the sport as of the end of this season, and both will make their farewells to their German fans at Rund um die Nürnberger Altstadt today. Former World Champion Schleicher of Equipe Nürnberger Versicherung is not riding in the race, but will attend it. Milram's Scholz will be riding the men's race as his last in Germany.

Schleicher, 35, began riding competitively 25 years ago, and decided it was now time to call it quits. “I ride races to win them,” she told the Nürnberger Zeitung. “Right now I am not in the proper form to do that. It would be unfair to my teammates if I had been nominated anyway.”

She can look back at a long list of wins, including the 2005 Worlds road title. The sprinter was also German champion that same year. She has won three World Cup races and six stages of the Giro d'Italia, among others.

Scholz, 31, told the Nürnberger Nachrichten that “I am ending my career after this season. The race in Nürnberg is the last one that I will ride in Germany." Back problems have hampered Scholz this year and he admitted "I haven't had a good season.”

Scholz turned pro in 2001 with Team Gerolsteiner, where he stayed until the team folded last season. He is married to the daughter of former Gerolsteiner manager Hans-Michael Holczer.

His last win was, coincidentally, Rund um die Nürnberger Altstadt in 2005, and he would like to repeat that performance today. “I'm in good shape,” he said.

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