Professional cyclist Maximilian Walscheid is unexpectedly ending his career at the end of the year. The 2021 Mixed Team World Champion announced his decision during the World Championships in Montreal. The 33-year-old will continue his medical studies and move to his team Lidl’s Performance Centre. His final race will be the Münsterland Giro on 3 October. Walscheid won that race in 2018.
“When, like me, you love cycling and have devoted a large part of your life to it, it’s never easy to say goodbye. It hurts, but it’s the perfect moment and I’m glad to be able to choose it myself,” said Walscheid.
Disappointment in Montreal
The time-trial specialist, who is a strong sprinter, has celebrated 14 professional victories so far in his career. Walscheid’s greatest success to date came whilst wearing the national jersey. Five years ago, the Heidelberg native became world champion in the mixed team time trial alongside Tony Martin, Nikias Arndt, Lisa Klein, Lisa Brennauer and Mieke Kröger. It was the final race of Tony Martin’s career.
At the World Championships currently underway, Walscheid also competed in the event, though the German team finished in a disappointing sixth place. Prior to that, he had already finished only 27th in the individual time trial. “He simply had a really bad day,” said national coach Jens Zemke.
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