January 20, 2004 –  It was some time ago when I last saw Hans, probably when I was racing cadet and junior in the late 80's and early 90's, but he definitely had a big impact back then. He will always remain in my mind as a mentor. Marcel and Rene are quite lucky to have grown up with a father so supportive and eager like Hans: he loved to watch his boys race bikes. I know what it is like to grow up with a father who is excited to watch his sons race, and I can now say that having my father watch me race when I was young made a world of difference; I felt proud to race in front of my Dad. I know that Hans had the same impact on his sons. I can remember racing cyclo-cross and road races with Rene, Marcel, Michael Barry, my two brothers, and having our fathers Hans, Mike and Jorn, there cheering us on. I remember Hans driving Rene, Marcel, my brothers and myself to some big races early in my cycling career, and I remember his tremendous enthusiasm: it was inspiring. It makes me very sad to hear that Hans is no longer with us; I express my condolences to Rene and Marcel. Hans will be missed by everyone who ever got the chance to know him and there will be a void left where he once was. I know that his spirit and his love of cycling will live on forever within his sons.

Thank you Hans Zierfuss, you will not be forgotten.