The mysterious fate of the cyclist Albert Richter

" Albert Richter is a highly talented sprinter, a talented racing cyclist, to whom German cycling must always give a place of honor next to its successful greats," wrote "Der Deutscher Fahrrad" about a young man who sensationally celebrated in Rome in September 1932 amateur world champion in the sprint, won numerous international medals and track classics and was one of the most popular athletes of his generation. But just a few years later, the same association magazine said full of malice about Albert Richter: "His name has been deleted from our ranks for all time."

With his courage and straightforwardness, Albert Richter fell out of favor with those in power and sports officials in the Third Reich. He was critical of National Socialist ideology, repeatedly refused to wear swastika jerseys and clung to his Jewish manager Ernst Berliner. In 1940, Albert Richter died under mysterious circumstances in Lörrach prison. It is highly probable that he was murdered by the Gestapo.

Thanks to extensive, meticulous research and numerous interviews with eyewitnesses, the journalist Renate Franz was able to shed light on the darkness. Your documentary "The Forgotten World Champion" unravels the life of an unusual person and athlete and sheds new light on the circumstances of his death. Many revealing insights into the history of cycling and the city of Cologne during the Nazi era make this newly published book, which often reads like a thriller, a must-read.