Eric Baumann will ride along the Elite team, Univega, for 2012 as he failed to secure a professional contract
German cyclist, Eric Baumann, announced his decision to end his association with professional cycling. It was also revealed through Radsport-News.com that the rider will represent the Elite team, Univega.
The cyclist started his professional career in 2003 with Team Wiesenhof and moved to T-Mobile Team from 2004 to 2007. His most recent appearance at the international level was with Team Sparkasse.
Eric is considered to be a classic specialist and is one of the most talented riders in the sport. His overall wins, however, do not justify his talent and abilities.
His major wins include the overall win at the under 23 Paris-Roubaix, along with under 23 European Championships.
His stage 1 win at the Tour de Luxembourg 2005 is believed to be his career’s best performance. Eric’s most recent victory came at Sparkassen Giro Bochum in 2008.
The 31-year-old was unlucky as he was involved in a crash during the 168 kilometre stage at the Beverbeek Classic in Belgium. He was hospitalised for a very long duration and missed out most of the 2010 season.
Bauman was eager to ride in the 2012 season but could not secure a contract. He was hopeful to get his existing contract extended but failed to impress the team’s management.
He said, “I was in contact with various teams and already had several verbal agreements, but that's the down side of cycling: teams come and go overnight! Acceptances don't mean anything without a signed contract”.
Eric is not completely finishing his association with the sport as he will ride along with an insurance firm Dessau for the 2012 season.
Team Univega is run by the former cyclist Renzo Wernicke. Eric claimed, “I have always lived 110 percent for cycling and through my new job won't lose cycling”.
Baumann has mentioned that his main goals will remain to secure a victory at Rund um Koln and Neuseen Classics. He briefed, “I hope to take on these challenges with my new team no later than 2013”.
Eric’s inclusion in the Elite squad Univega will certainly help the line-up in the season ahead. His professional experience will help the German team to take their performance to the next level in 2012.
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