Career
He was twice chosen the German Sportspersonality of the Year, in 1979 and 1982. He also had to cope with many setbacks: in 1975 he had blood poisoning after a fall at the national championships. In 1978, he broke a collarbone just before the start of the Peace Race.
He also given up several major races due to bad falls on the road.
After retiring from competitions in 1985 he worked as a cycling coach and an accountants