"He was more than just a manager to me. Since the early nineties, he was a true friend who I could rely on in good times, but especially in bad times," wrote the German former cycling star (47) on Facebook.
Ullrich's long-time manager died of cancer on 3 October at the age of 83. "As a person, meticulous businessman and loyal confidant, he was always at my side with help and advice. He was a true gentleman, the kind you rarely find today. The news of his death makes me very sad," Ullrich continued. "My thoughts are with his wife and family, to whom I also owe a great deal."
Strohband, who initially worked as a used car dealer, made a name for himself primarily as Ullrich's supporter and manager. Shortly after the end of the GDR, the entrepreneur brought Ullrich to RG Hamburg with coach Peter Becker. Shortly afterwards, the Rostock native's career really took off. Ullrich became amateur world champion in 1993, switched to the professional ranks with Team Telekom and in 1997 became the only German to date to win the Tour de France. Always at Ullrich's side during his active time was Strohband, who also organised cycling races and was chairman of the Hamburg Cycling Association.
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