Chad Gerlach's comeback from five years of homelessness and drugs to the heights of pro bike racing was the stuff of legend, a triumphant U-turn in his life that startled fellow racers and fans alike.

But the cheering has suddenly stopped. Gerlach has not only quit racing, he has returned to living on the streets - spotted frequently in midtown Sacramento, glassy-eyed and red-faced, wearing dirty clothes.

Throughout the spring and summer, Gerlach, 36, trained five hours a day, won races, dominated opponents, electrified fans and prompted worldwide media interest.

Now, the man who finished fifth racing against Lance Armstrong in June before 20,000 spectators in Nevada City, who lapped a national-caliber field in Truckee days earlier, has been reduced to asking passers-by for spare change.

Records show Sacramento police picked him up on Sept. 25 for suspected public drunkenness. His father, Peter Gerlach, says he got his son into drug rehab about three weeks ago, but Chad didn't stick it out.

It's a sudden downward spiral for someone whose very public battle with addiction had inspired many.

A sudden relapse

For more than a decade, Chad Gerlach, who grew up in Fair Oaks, was legendary among local cyclists, known as someone who squandered his talent and partied away his best racing years. Though Gerlach had won many races, he became disillusioned by the low pay and quit the sport around 2003.

His public profile rose considerably last year when he was the subject of several episodes of the reality TV show "Intervention" on A&E because of his crack cocaine and alcohol abuse. Even today, Gerlach often is recognized from the show while panhandling.

One recent afternoon, Hector Velasquez, a former methamphetamine addict, stopped to chat.

"I told him that just what you have done already has helped a lot of people," said Velasquez, who has been clean for three years and co-owns an auto repair shop. "Your story and your struggle give other people strength, and you're letting a lot of people down."

Though glib, brimming with enthusiasm and eager to be interviewed when The Bee chronicled his comeback in January, Gerlach has repeatedly declined to talk to The Bee about his recent setback.

"I've had a wonderful summer vacation," he said while panhandling on a recent Saturday night outside Safeway on 19th Street. "I'll be back racing next year."

His Italian-based pro team learned of the relapse only when Gerlach stopped showing up for major races in July, following his standout performance at the Fourth of July Criterium in Davis.

After that race, Gerlach shrugged off his showing and said, "I was feeling a little flat today."

That day, those who knew him well already worried that his sobriety was slipping. His friend Joe "Vito" Accettura maintains Gerlach was nursing a hangover on the Fourth of July. Peter Gerlach said his son also was hung over the morning he drove to Truckee in June, where he nonetheless lapped the field in the first stage and went on to win the overall title in the prestigious Tour de Nez race.

Races are not the only thing Gerlach has missed, either. Asked about the recent birth of his daughter, he said, "I need to call and find out what color her eyes are, and what color her hair is."

Stunned supporters

"When I heard he was back on the streets, I couldn't believe it," said Cristian Fanini, owner and manager of the Amore & Vita cycling team, which had signed Gerlach as a goodwill gesture after hearing about his battle with drugs.

Speaking by telephone from Italy, Fanini said, "He is an extraordinary talent. He could be like Lance Armstrong if he wanted to. At the same time, he is uncoachable. ... He's a fighter. When he's on his bike, he becomes another person."

Fanini has tried repeatedly in recent weeks to contact Gerlach, he said. Race sponsors enamored of the compelling comeback story continue to request Gerlach's presence at races.

"A story like this gets the interest of everybody in the world," Fanini said. "I had commitments from sponsors who were coming to the race to cheer for him. I sent all the details to Chad and was begging him to tell me what was going on."

Call The Bee's Blair Anthony Robertson, (916) 321-1099.