"The fear of crashing again was paralysing": Experienced German retires to become a sports director at Tudor

Alexander Krieger took a rather unorthodox path to becoming a professional. For the German, it's taken 10 season of racing at the Continental level before making a debut on the grand stage with Alpecin-Deceuninck at the age of 28. Six seasons down the road, Krieger had accomplished everything he dreamt of on the bicycle and wraps up his career at Tudor Pro Cycling. But the German rider will not disappear from the world of cycling entirely as his next steps will see him take up a staff role in the ranks of the Swiss ProTeam.

Although Krieger had a rather modest start of his career, in 2017 he already placed himself among the best riders at the continental level. His tactical abilities and lead-out potential could not have been overlooked by Alpecin any further in 2019 as Krieger signed his first professional contract.

Despite never having won a professional race, Krieger became a valuable member of the team, scoring 7 podiums in his debut season and later participating in seven Grand Tours as an important pieces of puzzle for any sprint train.

"It isn't the numbers in the results lists or training data that I'll look back on in a few years," Krieger says on team website. "What remains for me are the moments and encounters, relationships, friendships, and shared experiences – which, of course, are often based on sporting success and failure. The happiness I draw from this time is definitely based on emotions."

"I will miss the thrill, the emotions, and the ecstasy of a race. The fans cheering you on, the joy of crossing the finish line, the pre-race tension, and the inner satisfaction of sitting in the air-conditioned bus after the race, freshly showered and with a plate of pasta in my hands."

While positive emotions prevail when looking back at his career, the retirement wasn't a choice Krieger made willingly. After his heavy crash at the 2024 Giro d'Italia where he broke pelvis and multiple ribs, the German rider struggled to reach his past level. Partly because of the possibility that such a crash could happen to him again.

"It is the fear of crashing and seriously injuring myself. It's not just the fear of crashing itself; I still feel the necessary willingness to take risks. The fear of injuring myself so badly that permanent damage is expected — this fear is paralysing."

While sidelined for the second half of 2024 with his injuries, Krieger already tried out for what would become his future job. Helping here and there as a sports director at the development team, Krieger quickly discovered a new passion and will move into the position full-time from 2026 onwards.

"As Sports Director with the Devo Team, I'll be able to share my experience with the young riders. The plan is for me also to be involved in the scouting department."

"My time with the Devo riders last year motivated me to take this path. I quickly noticed how open and inquisitive the young athletes are, how professionally and thoughtfully they already work, and that this is where the foundation for dreams and success is laid. Physically, despite their age, they are already very advanced, and technically and tactically, I see opportunities for further development. This is where I come in."