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Italian sprinter Mario Cipollini has announced what could be his real retirement from cycling on Tuesday a fortnight before the start of the Giro d'Italia.
The 38-year old, whose 42 stage wins in the Giro is a record, retired two years ago before making a comeback.
However the flamboyant Italian who has come to be known as the Lion King for his flowing mane of blond hair - which is now much shorter - appears to be serious this time.
"Announcing my withdrawal one week before the Giro d'Italia is a painful but honest decision. The public will understand," said Cipollini in a statement released by his team, Liquigas.
Cipollini's former success has in recent seasons been tempered by the sprinting power of Australian Robbie McEwen, Italian Alessandro Petacchi and three-time world champion Oscar Freire of Spain.
And he admitted that he had finally decided to hang up his bike after 17 seasons as a professional and 189 victories.
"I would have liked to be at the start of the Giro d'Italia in Reggio Calabria looking for victory again, fighting for the pink jersey.
"Maybe, an "old man" like me, who has given a lot to cycling and has also received a lot, has to recognise when is the right moment to stop.
"I thank the Liquigas-Bianchi team, who put their confidence in me. I am honoured to have ended my career as a rider wearing the jersey of such a great team."
Italian sprinter Mario Cipollini has announced what could be his real retirement from cycling on Tuesday a fortnight before the start of the Giro d'Italia.
The 38-year old, whose 42 stage wins in the Giro is a record, retired two years ago before making a comeback.
However the flamboyant Italian who has come to be known as the Lion King for his flowing mane of blond hair - which is now much shorter - appears to be serious this time.
"Announcing my withdrawal one week before the Giro d'Italia is a painful but honest decision. The public will understand," said Cipollini in a statement released by his team, Liquigas.
Cipollini's former success has in recent seasons been tempered by the sprinting power of Australian Robbie McEwen, Italian Alessandro Petacchi and three-time world champion Oscar Freire of Spain.
And he admitted that he had finally decided to hang up his bike after 17 seasons as a professional and 189 victories.
"I would have liked to be at the start of the Giro d'Italia in Reggio Calabria looking for victory again, fighting for the pink jersey.
"Maybe, an "old man" like me, who has given a lot to cycling and has also received a lot, has to recognise when is the right moment to stop.
"I thank the Liquigas-Bianchi team, who put their confidence in me. I am honoured to have ended my career as a rider wearing the jersey of such a great team."
