German rider Bert Grabsch, who has been with Phonak since it started six years ago, was surprised and disappointed that the team folded in the wake of the Landis affair. "There was a curse on our team," he said, after so many of Phonak's success stories were tainted by doping. "But I understand [team owner] Andy Rihs. Indeed, no one understands this action as well as he does. I've seen Andy Rihs shouting for joy and I've suffered along with him. Andy Rihs did everything he could for a cleaner sport. I'm sorry for how it turned out."
Grabsch thanked Rihs for his commitment to the team and to pro cycling, and maintained a positive outlook for the future. "It will be difficult to find another team as good as Phonak Cycling," said the 32 year-old. "I want to keep racing. The sport is good. It must carry on."
