André Greipel brings cycling fever to Rerik – Seaside Ride starts!

André Greipel brings cycling fever to Rerik – Seaside Ride starts!

Next weekend a very special event will take place in Rerik in the Rostock district: the Seaside Ride. This is organized by none other than André Greipel, the former professional cyclist from Rostock. Who would have thought that the award-winning cycling star, who won eleven stages of the Tour de France and also took overall victory twice at the Tour Down Under, would be so committed in his homeland? NDR reports that after his resignation in 2021, Greipel not only caused a stir with his career, but also shined as a parent of two daughters and completed professional training as an office clerk has.

The event attracts cycling enthusiasts from the region and starts on Friday. The highlights: cycling tours on gravel bikes with distances between 55 and 100 kilometers, musical performances as well as relaxing offers such as sauna and cycling yoga. Participants can also expect question and answer sessions with former professional cyclists such as Hanka Kupfernagel and Rick Zabel, which will certainly provide exciting insights and stories.

A look at Greipel's career

André Greipel achieved numerous successes in his career. He already celebrated a promising start at the junior level with two German championship titles. In 2006 he moved to the T-Mobile team, where he celebrated his first significant international success at the Vuelta a España in 2008. In total, Greipel achieved an incredible 21 victories this season, including the Giro d'Italia and the Vattenfall Cyclassics. His last big victory lasted until the final stage of the 2016 Tour de France, which he won in Paris. Create an impressive list of his career highlights that summarizes his most significant actions:

• 2008: Tour Down Under – 4 Etappensiege
• 2012: 3 Etappensiege bei der Tour de France
• 2015: 4 Etappen der Tour de France und einen Etappensieg beim Giro d’Italia
• 2016: Letzte Etappe der Tour de France in Paris gewonnen

After Greipel ended his active career, he took over the position of national cycling coach for a short time. However, he resigned from this position in May 2025 due to time constraints. But instead of sitting back, he has now focused on organizing exciting events, such as the Seaside Ride, and thereby maintaining his passion for cycling. Wikipedia

History of cycling

Cycling has developed enormously over the years. The first cycling races originally took place secretly and often at unusual times. The first documented women's race in Europe took place in 1868. The boom in gymnastics and sports in Germany led to the founding of many cycling clubs and ultimately to the establishment of the “German Cyclist Association” in 1884. Fahrradmuseum Rheinhessen reports on the increasing popularity of cycling, which was also promoted by national championships and international competitions.

Events like the Seaside Ride keep the tradition of cycling alive while encouraging new talent. André Greipel shows that he not only has a good hand on the bike, but also as an organizer in cycling. With his commitment, he inspires the next generation of cyclists and brings a sense of community back to the region.