"That has to do with the fact that I'm not an arse-kisser. I've always tried to convince with performance. If that wasn't enough for the BDR despite good performances, I often didn't understand it, especially as a young rider," Greipel told the internet portal "Sportbuzzer". "I was often made promises that were then not kept."
The 39-year-old had contested his last race at the Münsterland Giro on the Day of German Unity. The Rostock native did not want to take on a new job straight away. "I was offered the job of sports director at Lotto-Soudal. I turned it down because it would have come too soon for me," said the eleven-time Tour stage winner. "I'm currently involved in development and material testing with a bike manufacturer." He is also still involved with his team Israel Start-up Nation.
However, the main task for Greipel, who lives near Cologne, is now his family. "It's strange for my two daughters at the moment. I'm now fully committed, as I no longer have the excuse of having to train," said Greipel. In terms of victories, the sprinter is the best German professional cyclist in history with 158 wins.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:211012-99-566544/2
