A quarter of a century with a race number on her handlebars on the world's racetracks: Sabine Spitz's career is undoubtedly one of the most impressive in the history of mountain biking. The exceptional German athlete won a complete set of medals at three Olympic Games, she was world champion in both cross country and marathon, four times European champion, won 28 medals at German championships in both disciplines and competed in 117 World Cup races.

Influence beyond the national borders

Although the 47-year-old rode at world level until recently, she was not only popular because of her performances. Spitz was regarded as the mountain bike figurehead par excellence in Germany and was known for her consistent anti-doping stance.

However, she also had a good influence beyond the country's borders and was appreciated by her fellow racers - including Jolanda Neff.
Spitz had some intense duels with the reigning European cross-country champion. It was often close, but always fair. "She has maintained her world-class level for decades. She is not only an expert in the sport of mountain biking, but almost a walking encyclopaedia in many specialist areas. She is intensively involved in optimizing health and lifestyle," says Neff and adds appreciatively: "Her Olympic medals are not only a reward for her years of work, but also a sign for all people: Those who take care of their health and well-being will reap rewards. She has also given the cycling world great emotions - thank you Sabine for that!"

The Marathon World Championships as the final point

Spitz recently announced her retirement, and it is scheduled for a special race: the Marathon World Championships in the Valais vacation resort of Grächen on September 22, 2019. The South Baden native will then strap her race number to her handlebars for the last time and set off at 09:00 for her grand finale - the end of her unique career.

During this time, Sabine Spitz has always enjoyed mountain biking and racing, and she intends to continue doing so in the future - albeit in a different form.
"Mountain biking is and remains my passion," she says. Mountain bike coaching and co-hosting on Red Bull TV on the side of the World Cup courses are on the agenda, and she will also be able to spend more time on tourism projects in the future. But Spitz adds: "Nature, exercise and health will always be a priority for me."

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