Cycling: Christian Knees was a professional cyclist for 17 years. In 1990, at the age of 9, he started racing cycling at VfL Rheinbach. Now the now 41-year-old is returning and is contesting his farewell race at Rund in Rheinbach – and many old companions are celebrating too. Velomotion spoke to him about his last "workday".
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Christian Knees: "Achievements I'm proud of"
In his long career, Christian Knees has not won many races himself. But the 1,94 meter chicken can certainly be described as a successful professional cyclist. After all, he has competed in 20 Grand Tours and his team has won four of them. As a loyal and reliable helper, he was always an important part of his team. But when the starting signal for Rund in Rheinbach sounds on October 9th, he won't have to do any more help.
Christian Knees:
“Bayern-Rundfahrt, Rund um Köln, the German championship title … these are of course successes that I am proud of. But of course also to the tour victory in 2012 with Bradley Wiggins. In 2017 I was on the podium in Paris when we were honored as the best team in the Tour de France. And I was the only helper who was there for all three of Chris Froome's victories, when he won the Tour de France and the Vuelta a Espana in 2017 and then the Giro d'Italia in 2018.
"Youngsters are the future of cycling"
Christian Knees ended his career at the end of 2020, but his farewell performance had to be postponed due to the corona virus. It was always clear to him that he would say “goodbye” to Rund in Rheinbach. Because here in his home region he once grew up - very big, as we know. He started cycling here at the age of 9. This is one of the reasons why Christian Knees still takes care of the youth in Rheinbach and the surrounding area. He knows how important young people are.
Christian Knees:
“Youngsters are the future of cycling. It was important to me that the younger ones could also compete here. Rheinbach is a club that has been committed to youth work for years.”
A colorful supporting program in Rheinbach
So it's not surprising that not only adults are allowed on the track at Rund in Rheinbach. All junior classes already have their turn in the morning. And the little kids can also jet through the city center on their balance bikes. We can even look forward to the offspring from Knees. Furthermore, a citizens' run was organized and derny races with ten riders are still taking place. Exhibitors will present themselves throughout the day. The highlight of the event is of course Christian Knees' farewell race. A 1,6 kilometer lap is completed 40 times. And the ex-professional is accompanied by many former teammates – and even by current professionals.
Christian Knees:
“Many old companions are also coming. Among others Marcus Burghardt, Ralf Grabsch, Björn Schröder, Hanka Kupfernagel. It's a bit more difficult for the current professionals because Paris - Tours is taking place at the same time and many are also enjoying their well-deserved vacation. But I've already got confirmation from Phil Bauhaus and Nikias Arndt. It's also important to me that there are a few amateur drivers at the start. Many come from Pro Continental or Continental teams. But the list is not complete yet.”
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Special jerseys as a charity campaign
The sponsors have come up with a special surprise for his farewell race. Christian Knees will start at Rund in Rheinbach on October 9th in a special jersey. On it you can see all his successes and his participation in major national tours, as well as the teams for which the German drove during his long career. The whole thing is not only beautiful to look at, but also fulfills a very social purpose. The limited jerseys are sold on site or auctioned off for a good cause after the race.
Christian Knees:
“The jersey is something special for the farewell. There will be 30 of them. 20 are sold during the trip. 10 will be signed by the participants and then auctioned off. I have been active in social projects for years. Last year I organized a charity campaign for the association "Leben mit Autismus eV" because they were hit hard by the flood of the century. This year I will give the money to the "children's home Dr. Dawo" because this great organization is not in the limelight, but does a lot of voluntary work and deserves the support".
Sport Director at Ineos Grenadiers
Even though Christian Knees has ended his active career, he remains true to cycling. Since 2021, however, he no longer sits on the bike at bike races, but in the car. At Ineos Grenadiers - the former Team Sky - he now acts as a sports director.
Christian Knees:
“It's a great challenge to see everything from the other side. I feel comfortable and will stay here next year. We have developed more into a classic team, which is more my job. I've always really liked these races. We are one of the youngest WorldTour teams. It's fun working with such young talents, passing on your experience and then following the development. "
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