Schumi ends season

By Susan Westemeyer

It has been a highly successful season for Gerolsteiner newcomer Stefan Schumacher, and now it has come to an end. He brought in nine victories this season, including three overall stage races. "In the last few weeks, I have notice that it is harder for me to recuperate." he said. In addition, he came down with an infection which hindered him in Zürich. "It was a long season for a young rider like me. It's time to take something out." Schumacher's palmares in his first year with Gerolsteiner include winning the Circuit de la Sarthe, the Eneco Tour and the Tour of Poland. He also won two stages in the Giro d'Italia, where he wore the leader's pink jersey for two days.