Return in Cologne

Good news: cycling ace about to make a comeback after time out

Moran Vermeulen (center) returns to the saddle.(Bild: Nassos Triantafyllou)

"I can't put into words how it feels to be back on the start line with the team," admits Styrian Team Vorarlberg rider Moran Vermeulen, who took time out in March due to mental health issues and will make his comeback at the "Rund um Köln" on Sunday.

"A few weeks ago, the only thing I wanted was not to wake up. The fact that I can stand here now is the most important and biggest success in my life so far. The help from family and friends - the team is now family - was so incredibly important and valuable during this phase. I am currently undergoing professional psychological therapy until this shows the appropriate results."

Moran Vermeulen will be pedaling for Team Vorarlberg again for the first time in Cologne.(Bild: Nassos Triantafyllou)

"Everything else comes naturally"
Team manager Thomas Kofler is also delighted: "I am incredibly happy for Moran that he has found his way back and wish him continued patience and confidence. Everything else will come naturally."

In addition to Vermeulen, Colin Stüssi, Lukas Rüegg (Sz), Jannis Peter, Lukas Meiler, Jon Knolle (D) and Alexander Konychev (It) will start for the Ländle-Équipe at the UCI 1.1 event on Sunday.