Balls, bikes and books – from professional sports to bestsellers. With Christoph Kramer and Rick Zabel

with Christoph Kramer Rick Zabel Okka Gundel

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Two sports champions from two entirely different worlds – and yet they have much in common. When Christoph Kramer, a member of the German squad that won the 2014 soccer world cup, meets former professional cyclist Rick Zabel, their discussion topics can include much more than victories, training and competitions. They talk about life after sports – and the question of how athletic ambition, personal experience and a verve for storytelling can be transformed into literature. Both authors recently published bestselling books: Kramer’s Summer, When Life Began is a warmhearted coming-of-age novel about friendship, first love and growing up, set against the backdrop of the 2006 soccer world championships. Zabel’s On the Road: The Freedom of Road Cycling chronicles the ups and downs of a professional career, the pain and the euphoria, and the search for meaning on two wheels. In conversation, Kramer and Zabel will explore the overlaps between effort and effortlessness, success and self-doubt, sports and language. Host: Okka Gundel

Books

Das Leben fing im Sommer an

Christoph Kramer
KiWi

978-3-462-00798-5

On the Road. Von der Freiheit auf dem Rennrad

Rick Zabel
KiWi

978-3-462-00951-4

Date:

Sunday
08. March 2026
16:00
Pre Pre sale price (fees excluded) ab 16 €
Flora Köln

Am Botanischen Garten 1a
Köln-Riehl

Please follow the checkroom instructions.

Google Maps

Bitte Garderobenhinweise beachten.

Mehr Information
Accessibility
- Induction loop Available
- Wheelchair friendly + toilets Available
- Assistance dogs welcome Available
- Tactile guidance system Available
- Signage in Braille Available
- Contrasting color steps and edge strips Available
- Announcements in elevators Available