Local Sacramento cyclist stages a comeback

     Blair Anthony Robinson, in the Feb. 8 Sacramento Bee's "He raced like the wind- then came 5 years on the streets", writes about local cycling legend Chad Gerlach's astonishing return to the sport after a 5-year-long period of drug addiction and homelessness.

     The article details Gerlach's transition from a young cycling prodigy to a homeless drug addict on the streets of Sacramento. After being hailed as a future star of cycling at age 17, Gerlach's personal problems soon derailed his career. The intellectual and extremely athletic cyclist was repeatedly kicked off teams for his drug use and affairs with women. Eventually, he ended up on the streets, sleeping under bridges and panhandling for spare change in downtown Sacramento to buy crack cocaine and alcohol. Those who knew Gerlach during this dark period claimed that he was cocky and charismatic even when begging for change on the sidewalk.

     Now, at 35, Gerlach is making a miraculous comeback to professional cycling. He has apparently kicked his drug habits and is currently signed to a prestigious professional Italian team, training for his eventual return to the United States in late April.

     Chad's story is both shocking and inspiring. With the record number of homeless people in Sacramento, who would have imaged one of the men on the street asking for your change outside supermarkets and liquor stores was an ex-cycling legend that challenged Lance Armstrong back in the day. Most people in such a situation would continue their downward spiral of addiction and depravity. Gerlach, however, made a complete turnaround and will be ready to make his triumphant return to his Sacramento home by the end of Spring. Such a case is rare and inspiring. Where most drug stories end with death and despair, this story, though far from over, seems as if it will not. This Sacramento man may once again rise to greatness and reclaim his place among the cycling elite.