Mario Cipollini retires… again

Mario Cipollini says arrivederci to cycling for good (Tim de Waele)

Mario Cipollini has finished his cycling career for the second time and the Italian will not race Milan-San Remo this weekend.

"My professional relationship with the American team Rock Racing has finished," said Cipollini in a statement released on Tuesday. "The plan to contest Milan-San Remo would have been meaningful if it was connected to the building and management of a new team, that in practice, despite contractual agreements, happened without the least reference to me.

"My return to competition was a stepping stone in a much larger plan to create a 'dream team'. It's a shame, but at the same time I'm grateful to all those people who have shown me warmth, support and affection over the past few months."

Rock Racing team manager Michael Ball confirmed the news in a statement: “From a business perspective and from an overall team standpoint, the relationship between Mario Cipollini and Rock Racing was not advantageous, and would not work long-term. We have terminated his contract and wish him luck in future endeavors.”

There had been speculation that Cipollini could ride for another team, such has Tinkoff Credit Systems, this weekend. But his statement quashed those rumours.

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