ZABEL SAYS ‘08 HIS LAST SEASON
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ARadjKhfahFztdzTzGcZ8C-415-80.jpg)
German cycling?s biggest name, sprinter-cum-Classics specialist Erik Zabel has announced during the Milram team presentation on Thursday that he plans to end his career after the 2008 season. However, he left open the final decision until the end of the year.
?I think this will be my last season on the bike,? Zabel, who has the largest number of pro wins of any rider currently in the peloton, told reporters.
?Having said that, if I continue to enjoy riding my bike, or if [Milram team-mate and co-leader] Alessandro Petacchi asks me to continue racing with him, then I?ll think again.?
Zabel?s 2007 season - and arguably his career - was tarnished by an admission that he briefly used EPO in 1996. At the same time, he is one of Germany?s most popular cycling stars, with a record number of green jersey wins in the Tour, as well as victories in four Milan-San Remos and three victories in Paris-Tours.
Whilst Zabel, 37, contemplates the end of a career which started way back in 1993, French ProTour team Bouygues Telecom have announced they will continue sponsoring a team at least until 2010.
Bouygues boast one of France?s most charismatic riders in their line-up - 2004 Tour yellow jersey wearer and 2007 GP Ouest France winner Thomas Voeckler.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
Tom Pidcock criticises 'bland' mountain bike course at Paris Olympics
'When you just gravel over a nice hillside, it's not really mountain bike,' says reigning champion
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Unbound Gravel lottery opens two months early, ensuring riders are 'more prepared than ever'
Registration for the 2025 Unbound Gravel will open on Friday, November 1, 2024, and close two weeks later, on November 15. Lottery winners will be announced on November 21, 2024.
By Anne-Marije Rook Published