Andre Greipel has no intention of retiring at the end of 2020, despite the fact that his 37-year-old contract expires in December. The German, who joined Israel's Startup Nation on a one-year contract earlier this year, has not raced since the Tour Down Under after breaking his shoulder in February and subsequently being suspended in Germany.

Racing is scheduled to resume in August, and Greipel is still rehabbing his shoulder but is on the road to full fitness.

"I'm still busy with rehab and that's still going on. The rehab will probably last another month or so. The shoulder doesn't bother me too much, but I want to make sure I'm back to full strength," Greipel told Cycling News.

"We all want to race, but there are more important things in life, and I hope to be back racing in August, but right now I can't finalize my schedule."

Greipel joined Israel Startup Nation after a year with Arkea Samsic. He signed on to lead the Israeli team's sprint team, but after a promising start in the Tour Down Under, injuries forced him to the sidelines. he will turn 38 in July, but with 11 stage wins in the Tour de France, he plans to continue his career until 2021 He intends to continue. The outstanding sprinter is well aware that he only has a few seasons left in his legs, but he hopes to finish his time in the peloton in a fitting manner.

"This season wasn't the one I wanted, but I hope to see myself in the pack again next year. I want to finish my career with a full season, have a good campaign in the Classics, and hopefully the Tour de France. I want to end on a good note."

During his time away from competition, Greipel has helped spread awareness of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease). He has been campaigning and fundraising for several years, most recently launching the "Ride Around the World" challenge to circumnavigate the globe (approximately 40,075 km) for World Bike Day on June 3. The Challenge will then run for four days.

"We always want to do something for ALS research. We wanted to make an impact on awareness and that's when we came up with this Strava idea. I know the Strava people in Germany very well and that's where the story came from."

Katusha Sports, which provides kits to the Israel Startup Nation, helped Greipel produce the limited edition kit he designed for the event. Proceeds from the sale of the kits will fund important research into ALS, for which there is no cure.

"Thanks to Katusha Sports for providing these amazing jerseys, 15 percent of the proceeds from the kit will go to ALS research. The coronavirus pandemic has revealed the existence of many at-risk populations.

The Greipel Fight ALS kit is now available at Katusha Sports, with the jersey costing €70, bib shorts €90, and a race cap €15. The "Ride Around the World" Strava Challenge starts on June 3 and is open to participants for four days.

View the Greipel FIGHT ALS collection at Katusha Sport