In his third year at Ag2r,, Patrick Gretsch again mostly found himself in a supporting role. The 29-year-old was able to ride or himself in his preferred discipline, the time trial. Gretsch finished fifth in the prologue of the Three Days of West Flanders, and he finished fourth in the German Championships.

However, the all-rounder missed out on selection for the Worlds as the second spot next to Tony Martin was taken by Jasha Sütterlin.

The best result came in a tod race. On the third stage of the Circuit Cycliste Sarthe (2.1), he finished second behind Russian Anton Vorobyev (Katusha).

"I was particularly motivated because I had a bit of luck in yesterday's time trial and I was only 14th" said Gretsch, who had been hampered by a car from the organization as well as by a support car of ab opponent. "It cost precious seconds and a better result," Gretsch told radsport-news.com.

In the subsequent Giro d`Italia, he wanted to focus on the two time trial. However, neither in the prologue where he was 85th nor in the long time trial where he was fourteenth could Gretsch fulfill the expectations. He was also unable to reach the finish in Milan. Due to a bad cold, Gretsch had to step off the bike on the 13th stage.

Gretsch’s future is now uncertain. There will not be a fourth year at Ag2r.