RIP Heiko Salzwedel
RIP Heiko Salzwedel
Multiple outlets report that German cycling coach Heiko Salzwedel has passed away after being in a coma from a pulmonary embolism four weeks ago. He was 64 years old and passed away in a hospital in Germany.
Salzwedel built and led successful high performance cycling programs in East Germany, Australia, Great Britain, Russia, Denmark and Switzerland. He played a big role in the careers of riders such as Mark Cavendish, Brad Wiggins, Geraint Thomas, Robbie McEwen, Jens Voigt and many more.
Salzwedel moved from his native East Germany to Australia in 1990, he set up the Australian Institute of Sport program for road cycling which saw great success in the lead up to the Olympic games for Sydney 2000.
In 1998 Salzwedel moved back to Europe to take on various coaching roles throughout his career which included work with the German Cycling Federation, British Cycling, The Danish Cycling Federation, as well as trade team and development programs, and even speed skating and triathlon projects.
Amongst many other accolades, one of the marks that Salzwedel left on cycling was his role in coaching Bradley Wiggins to his successful bid in breaking the World Hour Record in 2015.
Heiko Salzwedel leaves behind a wife and two children as well as many friends and athletes he influenced. CyclingTips extends their deepest condolences.
