Joaquim Rodriguez forced to shelve immediate retirement plans

The plan was to hang up his wheels after the Olympic Games road race in August, but Joaquim Rodriguez may have to suit up and race again for Katusha this season.

While the Spaniard had hoped for an early farewell, Katusha seem determined to make the most of his services, with his contract expiring on December 31.

As such, Rodriguez has been lined up for four more races this season, including the Giro di Lombardia - a race he won in successive years in 2012 and 13.

"If the team requires me to participate in the remaining races on the calendar, I have no choice but to get back on the bike and participate, whether I like it or not. We'll see," Rodriguez told AFP.

"The decision I took was to stop cycling after the Olympic Games, but my contract with Team Katusha is until December 31st."

As well as the year's final Monument, Rodriguez is scheduled to ride Milano-Torino, the Giro del Piemonte and the season-ending Abu Dhabi Tour.