Andrew Talansky announces retirement from pro cycling

Andrew Talansky has announced his retirement from professional cycling at the age of 28.

The American has been a mainstay of the various incarnations of the Slipstream team – currently known as Cannondale-Drapac – since 2010.

In a short statement issued via social media on Tuesday, Talansky said: "After a great deal of thought and consideration, it is time to bring down the curtain on my career as a professional cyclist. It has been a truly incredible ride.

"I’ll miss my teammates and the camaraderie on and off the bike, but most of all I’m going to miss the fans. Few sports put its fans closer to the action, which is a large part of what makes pro cycling so special.

"Your support and encouragement, on good days and bad, has meant more to me than I can express. I’ve lived out a dream and I have Slipstream Sports and you, the fans, to thank for that.

"While this is the end of the road for my pro cycling career, it’s also a new beginning to follow my passion, and I look forward to sharing more soon. Until then, on behalf of myself and my family, thanks for seven great years."

Talansky's most notable victory is the 2014 Critérium du Dauphiné, and he most recently won a stage of the 2017 Tour of California, where he also placed third overall.

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Although his wins were not numerous, Talansky scored several high placings in Grand Tours, where he was once touted as a contender. He finished fifth in the 2016 Vuelta a España, and 10th in the 2013 Tour de France. He completed this year's Tour de France in 49th place in support of team-mate Rigoberto Uran, who finished second overall.

Talansky's Cannondale-Drapac team are currently in the process of raising funds to continue into the 2018 race season after reportedly losing a key sponsor.

The team issued a statement at the end of August that they could not guarantee a WorldTour place for 2018, and freed riders from their contractual obligations.