As a result of a car crash in 1987, Germany’s Michael Teuber became semi-paraplegic. Since 1997 he has competed successfully in cycle races for persons with a disability, three times being nominated for the Laureus Disability Award.
He had his greatest year in 2009 on the road and on the track, winning three gold and a silver medal in the four races in which he competed in UCI World Championships.
On the road in Bogogno in Italy, he won gold in the time trial for the fourth time, and in the road race he won silver. On the track in Manchester, he raced to the world title in the 3,000 metres pursuit for the fourth straight time and took gold for the second time in the 1,000 metres time trial. He also set his ninth world record in the 200 metres ‘flying start’ event.
In 2009, Michael also received an award from the German Federal Minister of the Interior to mark his cycle ride in November 2008 up the highest peak in Spain, El Teide, from sea level to 3,720 metres in ten hours, which raised €19,000 for the next generation of disabled athletes.
Michael is also an ambassador of the Paralympic Movement and has twice received the Silver Bay Leaf – the highest German decoration for sporting achievement - in 2005 and 2008.
