Klaus-Peter Thaler

Road cyclist Klaus-Peter Thaler was one of the most prominent West German riders during the 1970s and 1980. He finished ninth at the 1976 Montréal Olympics in the road race. Although he was the winner of the sprint for the silver, he was relegated to ninth place for interfering with other riders in the sprint and failing to keep his line. He was West German amateur road champion in 1974 and 1976. In 1977 he turned professional and rode the Tour de France, winning one stage at his first appearance. One year later he wore the maillot jaune for two days. In 1977 he finished third at the Vuelta a España.

Thaler won the amateur cyclo-cross World Championship in 1973 and 1975, and managed to win this title as a professional again in 1985 and 1987. In 1981 he was chief coach of the West German road cyclists for a short time. Later he turned to automobile racing. In 1986 Thaler and his wife started a wholesale cycling goods company.