Zabel’s main claim to fame is the he holds the record for points jersey victories in the Tour de France with six consecutive victories, in 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001.

Zabel also won three Points Jerseys in the Vuelta a Espana, in 2002, 2003, and 2004.

Zabel’s sprinting strength was evident in the one-day classics as well where he had four victories in the Milan-San Remo Classic, in 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2001.

He also won Paris-Tours Classic in 1994, 2003, and 2005 and shares the record of 3 victories in that race with Gustaf Danneels of Belgium, Paul Maye of France, and Guido Reybrouck of Belgium.

Zabel won the Amstel Gold Race in 2000.

Zabel also won the Hamburg Cyclassics in 2001.

In addition, Zabel was 3rd in the 2000 Paris-Roubaix Classic behind Belgians Johan Museeuw and Peter Van Petegem.

Zabel was also 2nd in the 2006 World Championship Road Race behind Paolo Bettini of Italy.

In addition, Zabel was 4th in the 2001 World Championship Road Race behind Oscar Freire of Spain, Paolo Bettini of Italy , and Andrej Hauptman of Slovenia.

Zabel is one of the few contemporary riders that compete during the entire season.

Zabel has over 200 career victories including 12 stage wins in the Tour de France.