Volksbank neo-pro ends career

By Susan Westemeyer

Neo-pro Simon Schärer of Team Volksbank has ended his pro cycling career after only two months, the team announced Saturday. "It was a good two months," the young Swiss rider said, "but cycling alone is too little." He said that he didn't have the necessary discipline "to get used to the structured daily routine. That is frustrating."

Schärer, 24, said that his best memory of his short pro career was "the togetherness and the mood in the team. Both impressed me. I hope that the guys have a good season." He has completed his training as an electrician and plans to work as a service technician "and ride my bike in my free time."

"Simon had the basis for a solid career," said team manager Thomas Kofler. "But I can understand and respect his decision, when he believes that he won't be happy in the long run as a professional athlete."