Eleven times European champion

Carinthian motorcycling legend Werner Müller retires

Werner Müller in 1988.(Bild: zVg)

After 43 years as an athlete, Werner Müller is calling it a day at the age of 56. The man from Pöllingen was the first Carinthian to join the ranks of local motorsport greats such as Niki Lauda & Co. In his heyday, he raced to victory on the beach in front of 30,000 fans in Lignano.

His career could fill an entire book. In 2002, Werner Müller from Pöllingen was the first Carinthian to be named Austria's Motorsport Personality of the Year, joining the elite circle of Niki Lauda, Gerhard Berger and Matthias Walker.

After 43 years as an athlete, 30 of them as a professional, the 56-year-old ends his motorcycling career. He crowned this the previous year with overall victory in the Enduro World Cup in the senior class - his last of over 30 titles, including eleven European Championship successes (two in the general class) and ten in the national championship.

I'm still in top physical shape, but I've achieved everything and I'm healthy.

Werner MÜLLER

Werner Müller was still in full action until 2023.(Bild: FredCcyReporterPhotos)

So why this step? "Physically, I'm still in top shape. But I can no longer cope mentally. From now on, it can only go downhill, I've achieved everything, I'm healthy - there's nothing better," Müller concludes, despite many serious injuries, a "picture-book career that would never have come about like this without my great family!"

He now wants to finally make more time for them. Müller lives with his wife Simone and their children Anja (25) and Adrian (21) in the municipality of Kappel am Krappfeld. "I've always had an irrepressible will in my life, but I've also often been very lucky."

The collection of medals and trophies is huge.(Bild: zVg)

Great wear and tear: 135 motorcycles
There have been many highlights in his long career. Riding as a KTM pro at the World Championships was certainly a big one.

He also particularly remembers a race in Lignano in 2001. "I won the enduro race on the beach promenade in front of 30,000 fans and left two world champions behind me," beams Müller, who has ridden 135 new motorcycles over the past 43 years. "Seven are still at home with me. I will stay true to the sport - just for myself, without any pressure!"