Team CSC-Saxo Bank Press Release
The 36-year old American rider who has been with Team CSC since 2004 is now retiring and looking ahead to a possible future within the sport.
“I have had a long career as a professional cyclist and it has been an honor to be part of a team like Team CSC Saxo Bank for the last five years. I remember the day after meeting my team and team mates for the first time, making a phone call to my wife telling her that this is the team that I have been searching for my whole career and where I would end my career. Years later, that turned out to be quite a prophetic statement because now is time to make that decision and move on to the next phase of my life”, says Bobby Julich who saw a new part of his career unfold when he came to the team in 2004.
With an Olympic Bronze Medal in 2004, a strong winning streak in 2005 (including Paris-Nice, Criterium International, Eneco Tour), Julich completely revitalized the latter part of his professional career that previously had shown a podium finish in the Tour and consistent results in the biggest races on the calendar.
”Being on such a great team for so long, I know what it takes to be at the top level of this sport and realize that mentally I am not able to make the sacrifices that it takes to be there anymore.
I have seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows during my career, but every moment has taught me many things and made me into the person that I am today.
I hope to stay connected to the world of cycling because it has been my life and passion for 25 years, but I am also keeping my options open. To continue to work for Bjarne and the team in some way would be great and I would love it if that opportunity presented itself. The hardest part of leaving the crazy world of professional cycling will be having less contact with my team mates. The friendships that I have created here are hopefully life long, but I will miss the fun that we have together on the road. I would like to use this opportunity to say thanks to CSC, Saxo Bank and all my past sponsors for showing a kid from a small mountain town in Colorado the world, its people and the wonderful world of cycling. Thanks also to all the fans and my supporters who have cheered me along all these years and hope to see you out on the weekend rides or bike paths”, Julich continues.
Team owner Bjarne Riis echoes Julich’s words, empathizing that he is keen to offer Julich an important position in the team after his career as a rider.
“Bobby has been one of the true cornerstones of the team from the day he joined us. A great athlete, a profound and intelligent guy and the perfect team mate. We have been extremely proud of and very happy about being part of the second life of Bobby’s career took on when he came to the team. He has been more than just a classy rider producing great results, but also a real mentor and a solid role model for our younger riders”, says Bjarne Riis.
“When Bobby and I talked about his future, I realized that the best thing I could do for him was to give him the time and liberty to consider and figure out what he wanted to do after stepping off the bike – instead of forcing him to race a full programme for the rest of the season. I have the utmost respect for Bobby as a rider and as a person, and I would be honoured if he would consider being part of the team in another role in the future”, Riis adds.
Great job Bobby! It was always a pleasure to cheer you on throughout your career. Get the word out if you plan to come back to Colorado to do some riding. I’d love to take a spin with you and talk about the good old days of junior racing in Colorado.
Good luck with the next stage in your career.
Dirk
Best of luck Bobby !
I hope you find a path in the next stage of your life which brings
you inner peace and happiness.
Brian
Marietta,Ga
Congratulations on a wonderful competitive career, and best wishes in whatever you decide to do in the next stage of your life. You’re truly a class act in all respects!
Bobby, congratulations on a wonderful long career! Throughout the years you have given a lot to the world of cycling, which hopefully you can continue to do off the bike. I’m sure your presence in the peleton will be missed!
Best wishes for your future! You will be deeply missed racing!
I’ve always been a great fan of yours and was so impressed and pleased with your resurgence at CSC in 2004/5. I was at the ToC this year and heard your wry comments pre-stage before you tested everyone’s legs off the front later in the day. Best wishes to you in your retirement, and congrats on a memorable career!
Bobby,
Good luck with the next chapter! It’s been a pleasure watching you over the years.
You will be missed, but never forgotten.
Cheers!
Bobby, thanks for the memories!
http://gallery.me.com/brianguiniling#100035/101_3560
bobby,
I remember racing with you as a junior back in the 80’s. I can not remember a rider who has seen the ups and downs as much as you have nor have I seen a rider who always seemed to perservere as well as you. I congratulate you on a great racing career and have no doubts that you will continue your path to success and even exceed your previous success. Congratulations and I hope I keep reading about your success on the velo sites in the far future!
Congratulations,
joey Sullivan
Greenville,SC
You were an awesome rider! But you have served your time in the hurt box now
Thanks for everything you have given CSC both on and off the road. I hope you continue to be involved with Saxo Bank. There must be an open DS spot now that Scott is leaving. I wanna see Andy win the tour next year but he needs help with the TT. Help make that happen Bobby please 
I have been following your career since the Tour de France came through Dublin in 1998 and it was great to see you get your recent success with Team CSC.
Best of luck for the future.
Bobby – I have really enjoyed following your career. You’ve impressed me when you’re winning, and how you comport yourself when things are difficult has impressed me more. Congratulations a on terrific racing career, and I look forward to watching your next move. Cheers!
Bobby, I though your comeback in 2004-2005 was simply awesome. I would like to read about what you did differently training-wise to improve your racing so late into your career. I’m sure you’re going to make great manager and coach.
Great ride Bobby!
Sorry to hear of your retirement… the peleton needs class acts like you!! I always enjoyed your commitment to your profession, and your insights! You always rode with your head and your heart!!
Best of luck in whatever you do as I am sure you will succeed!
Bobby,
I have been a fan since you started riding pro. You have always acted well, a mench, and seemed to honestly give what you had. Intelligence and power and class, with a fine sense of humor.
Thanks for the memories and I look forward to your next role in cycling.
Bobby,
I have been following your career ever since ‘97 where your great results in the later mountains stages caught my eye. Your ‘98 tour and the diary you wrote during it got me really interested in following road racing as a sport. Until then I really didn’t know there were races besides the Tour. I have been a fan ever since. All the best in whatever you do next — but I hope you will continue with Team CSC!
Walt
Bobby,
I appreciate the professional approach you have taken to our sport & your ability to learn & grow when faced with cycling’s obstacles. You are a class act.
Bobbie,
I have always been a big fan of yours and this was solidified at the 2005 Tour of Georgia when you stopped to speak to my then 13 year old daughter and me at the start in Augusta. While many other riders ignored her pen and copy of Velonews, you stopped by, made a joke about not signing over “Mr Armstrong’s picture” and absolutely made her day. You created a cycling fan for life by doing that and your signature hangs proudly in her room to this day. You are a class act.
Best of luck in retirement and we hope to see you involved in cycling very soon
Trevor
1998 – the year I started wasting away my july on the internet reading updates from the Tour. That’s right Bobby, you owe me big. Hundreds of hours in front of the computer, in front of the TV and on trains going to watch bike races. That’s not even counting all of the training and my own races. Hell, this year I biked from my house to l’Alpe dHuez!
For me you were the one who started it all and got me to love cycling. You’re just awesome. Thanks
Bobby,
Thanks for being such a class act all these years! I hope you’re able to continue on with CSC in the manner that you desire. You’d be a great DS!
Hopefully we’ll still see you out riding in the Sierras.
Heidi L
Reno, Nevada
Bobby,
Thanks for what seems like a lifetime of American racing in europe. You’ve been an inspiration and motivator to me for years and I think back happily on all your successes and triumphs. Good luck in the next phase of your life where-ever that may lead you. Thanks again for all those years of pure, sweet racing.
Eric Z
Bobby,
Congratulations on a stellar career! I hate to see you go…you’ve been a class act in the peleton for a long time. You’ve been a great ambassador of American cycling. All the best to you.
Regards,
Clif
Bobbie,
In my humble opinion, you and Andy Hampsten stand as the most professional and “class act” riders the USA has ever produced. Thank you so much for the memories. All the best to you and your family as you open the next chapter of your life. You will be missed, but not in our memories or hearts.
Congratulations and good luck Bobby. You’ve had an amazing career that has been fun to follow. I am sure you do well at whatever you turn your hand to now.
Bobby,
You have inspired more people than you could ever imagine. What is amazing is the way you do it, just a low key kid from colorado. That is what life is all about. Life isn’t about big promotions, big media- its about enjoying your job and even more, enjoying your friends and family.
The only time I got to watch you ride was the tour of califoria during the circuit in manhatten beach. Each time you passed I tried to get a good picture of you, but they all came out like crap. Just amazing to watch the pack ride so fast.
Sad to hear you won’t be competing anymore, but at the same time excited you will still be in the game. If I could ever get to your neck of the woods, it would be an honor to go for a ride. Please keep the world updated on what you are doing.
thanks from
Darrin, Shauna, and Angelica(2yr) Kinney
Congratulations on a great career and thank you, also, for you were one of the first riders that enticed me to become a real fan of this great sport and of Team CSC. I am glad that I had the chance to see you race in person in California this year. Good luck in your next career stage; I hope that you will be still involved in racing for many, many years.
Bobby,
Reading this release today really lifted my spirits. I’ll miss you and your professionalism in the sport. But getting to kick back with you at the Audi Best Buddies Challenge on Saturday was a memorable experience. Although I knew this would be your last year, I’m honored that your final act as a CSC professional was not as taker, but as a giver, when you used your stature and position to encourage other people to keep on pedaling. The entire staff, the other riders, and especially the Buddies, were appreciative.
We would love to have you back for the ride next year. I need your address to mail you things from the event. Again, thanks.
Richard
Hello Bobby,
Wow, how the years fly huh?
Thanks for all of your hard work for us, your fans and friends!
Not so long ago- Ok, so it was a while… You and your father gave me probably the very first POWERBAR ever made. 1987 Morgul-Bismark road race in Boulder… It was chocolate(?)
and it was well, not too tasty. How far you have come! I have many, many fond memories of our early rides and races, but a true highlight was when you told me about riding up the hill to Squaw Valley one winter’s day and smelling hot dogs and ski wax! Now is your time to enjoy the Mountains, your family, and a well-deserved vacation!
All my best, and if you ever gotta ski all old-school ‘n stuff,
I, and the Pelletier fam would love to go and rip it up with you and your family!
cheers, P
I am going to miss you Bobby. Thanks for you time on CSC, I hope you will continue on the team somehow and with Scott Sunderland leaving, I hope you will take over his place:D
Are you coming to the fan chat, so we can say goodbye to you in the right way?
Bobby, You deserve a standing ovation across the world of cycling for a terrific career. We enjoyed having you at the Tour de Georgia and you were a great mentor for the young riders. You will be missed, but not forgotten, leaving behind lots of cycling fans across the Southeast!
jt
What can I say that everyone hasn’t already? Congrats on going out with style and best of luck in your next career. Thank you for being a role model to others that are clean.
Congrats! We’ll miss following your racing carrier. Best of luck in your next career, hopefully still involved with cycling!
Thank you Bobby for everything. I´m sure you make a good decision, like you always did it when it was needed. I´m pretty sure that the peloton will miss such a honest and elegant man like you (on and of the bike).
Congratulations and best wishes from The Basque Country
P.D.: Hope to see you again here in the next Tour Of The Basque Country, even if it won´t be to see you fly elegantly on your bike, specially on the TT one. Thanks and take care
Hey Bobby, congratulations on a fantastic career! I have long been a fan and I even had the pleasure of riding with you once in Philly. Later moved to Verdi and would see you cruising by my house. You are a class act and an inspiration to many. Along with your personal achievements, you were always a great teammate, something you don’t much of these days. I hope to see your continued involvement in the sport because it needs more people like you!
Congratulations on a great career. You are ending it just as you rode it…with class. All the best in the future. You will be missed
Paul Snider
Bobby,
Congratulations on a long and successful career. I will always cherish traveling and training with you during the junior days. I certainly respected you more than any other cyclist I travelled with. I’m sure your body deserves a good rest now. Enjoy “retirement”.
Bobby,
Thank you for an excellent career. You carried yourself well and, in my opinion, you are a true professional and champion. Thanks again and have fun with your new role at Riis Cycling.
See you on the road!
Hello Bobby,
I am delighted to hear your staying with bikes, even after a hard season,
good luck in management, i know you will do well
Would you check out our site,
http://www.bike-pure.org
its an anti doping campaign and we would love your input for the year ahead/
We can offer you only good PR but require no time commitment. just wear a blue drug free wrist band which we hope will come to symbolize a clean rider.
thanks for your minute and have a restful off season
myles
thanks for all the strong work during your career, Bobby. the feeling among a lot of cyclists is that you had some talent, but what made you a great racer was your guts and determination. well done.
Hi Bobby – congrats on the cycling career and the transition to new things with Saxo Bank. We actually were in the same race back in the day when I raced as a junior at 15. Yep, the Nationals in Boulder… I’ll always remember it because there was a crash at the start and I ended up having to chase the entire day. Argh… it just wasn’t my day.
Funny – I remember Kevin Moncrieff too (posted earlier)… Rich Crellin … you out there! ;-D
Anywho… thought I would just drop you a note to say hey. I was going to stop and say “hi” in Sac at the ToC but you seemed pretty busy getting your team ready for the prologue and I didn’t want to disturb your concentration.
Best wishes!
Greg
Hi Bobby – congrats on the cycling career and the transition to new things with Saxo Bank. We actually were in the same race back in the day when I raced as a junior at 15. Yep, the Nationals in Boulder… I’ll always remember it because there was a crash at the start and I ended up having to chase the entire day. Argh… it just wasn’t my day.
Funny – I remember Kevin Moncrieff too (posted earlier)… Rich Crellin … you out there! ;-D
Anywho… thought I would just drop you a note to say hey. I was going to stop and say “hi” in Sac at the ToC but you seemed pretty busy getting your team ready for the prologue and I didn’t want to disturb your concentration.
Best wishes!
Greg Kassabian
Congratulations Bobby,
You’ve had some career and wish you luck in your new endeavors. About ten or twelve years ago I read an article entitled The Heart of Bobby Julich. I was having the same symptoms and had an ablation. REcently I have had another to address Atrial Fibs, which was successful. I’m very curious how you handled your recovery. I don’t imagine you’re still on meds (blood thinners etc.) Just looking for some insight on the recovery phase (how soon to get back on your bike, levels of training, etc.)
All the best,
Bob
Oh NO! Bob, you’re not going anywhere. Cycling needs you on and off the bike. Thank you for the RIDE man. It was beautiful!
When I see the silhouette of the peloton riding over the sunset, you’re there dude! You are and you will always be a part of it.
Thanks and take care,
Ed