During your Phonak period, you were even blackmailed by a former racing colleague who threatened to publish a list of dopers. Were you afraid?

I received a dubious SMS and didn't know who the sender was. I was particularly afraid of my son. It was a tough time, we turned on detectives. The blackmailer asked for money, and was arrested in a large police operation. But actually I don't want to warm up this story again.

You too have been tested positively during your career. Do you still affirm your innocence?

The reason for my elevated testosterone level could never be determined. Therefore, I resisted the ban in court, which was then reduced by several months.

So you have a clear conscience?

Yes, I don't need to blame myself.

They drove at a time that was considered quite contaminated …

… it was above all a time when everything went unprofessionally. At the six-day races, the inspectors crouched next to us at the bar, next to them their case with the samples. Everyone could have grabbed and manipulated – in both directions. It also happened that someone could not pee at the doping test, then strangely the light went out in the toilet and suddenly the urine was there. It was surely shitty. I have a clear conscience. But everyone says that, of course. I am particularly bothered by the fact that today everything is re-analyzed afterwards with some modern measuring methods – even if the original sample was negative. I find that a mess. I am glad that I am no longer part of the cycling system.

You are still cycling and offering cycling holidays. What about your shape?

I drive around 6000 kilometers a year. But with the electric racing bike – it can't be otherwise.

Why?

Because of the heart. I had an intervention for rhythm disturbances in the nineties when I was still a professional. Two further interventions, meanwhile great efforts are a major problem. I then get a pressure in the abdominal area – I couldn't jog 300 meters, then I would get dizzy. I also can't get up a happy pass without help. But when I'm worried, I have my health under control. And I'm not ashamed to drive with an electric drive.