Jan Ullrich © Cyclingpost.com

GOTZIS, Feb 26 (CP) - After Jan Ullrich's announcement to retire from cycling, Team Volksbank has now revealed that the German will assist the team in developing young cyclists.

Ullrich's job was described as follows: "The role, which is new to international cycling, is both seminal and unique, with Jan Ullrich to be crucial in shaping the future of Team Volksbank. In his role and in cooperation with team manager Thomas Kofler, he will create the structures for an even more professional appearence and the basis for future Team Volksbank successes, paying particular attention to developing cyclists."

In a press release, Kofler said that "for Jan Ullrich it is no ordinary job, it is a passion. Thanks to his experience, he will lay a solid foundation for a secure future for the Volksbank team. Jan Ullrich fits into our plans perfectly: we will keep moving in the right direction and work towards our goals in small, yet dynamic steps.

"Who knows, maybe we'll be able to cause the other teams some problems within the foreseeable future. With Ullrich's charisma, cycling will also be visible for our team beyond just the normal competitions. I am optimistic and look forward to a shared future with one of the most flamboyant and popular characters in the German-speaking sporting world," the team manager looks forward to the future.

© Jeroen Michiels