From http://team-csc.com/news.asp?n_id=440
24.11 12:40
Team CSC's Michele Bartoli has chosen to end his career. The 34 year old
Italian star choose to end his career. A career which includes numerous
impressive triumphs - two victories in Liége-Bastogne-Liége and Giro di
Lombardia, victories in Tour of Flanders, Amstel Gold Race, Meisterschaft
von Zürich, Het Volk, Giro d'Emilia, Rund um den Henninger Turm and Fléche
Wallonne.
"It has been a tough decision to make. I've had problems during most of this
season, and it's been so bad, that I've not been able to deliver the
results, which both myself and my team had hoped for. I would like to
continue, but feel far from sure, that it would be the wise thing to do. The
decision has been mine alone. I would've preferred to end my career with a
big victory for Team CSC, because the team has shown me lots of confidence
from day one and given me great opportunities to evolve. But the risk of yet
another season marred by injuries and lack of results, has lead me to make
this decision now. Should I return to cycling, I'd like to work with Bjarne.
It has been a great inspirations being part of his team and we have always
had very good understanding," announces Michele Bartoli.
"I've spent most of my life in the cycling sport, and it's given me some
fantastic moments. Right now I feel very sad to be saying goodbye, but in a
while I'll be able to look back on a career, which has given me a great
deal. I've won a number of the important races within the sport, and those
victories will always be special to me. I would like to thank everyone, I
have had the privilege to get to know, and also my faithful fans, whom I'll
definitely miss," adds Bartoli.
"I respect Michele's decision, and I know, he's given it a lot of thought.
It's always difficult to find the right time to end one's career, but
Michele has a long list of victories, which means, he's got nothing to prove
to anyone. In many ways he's been the ultimate classics rider of his
generation, and one of the very few, who's won almost all types of races. He
hasn't had an easy time this year, but I know, he's fought really hard to
live up to his high standards. He's had a great influence on the team as a
leader, and he's passed on a lot of experience. In the Tour, he supported
Ivan Basso in numerous ways. He has given cycling a lot and I hope he will
return some day. I'd be happy to work with him again. For now, I wish
Michele all the best for the future," says Bjarne Riis.
/ Thomas Lund