Publications
Partners
Cape Town - South Africa's first rider in the Tour de France, Robbie Hunter, has confirmed he is to retire from cycling with immediate effect.
Hunter, 36, who was Team Barloworld's captain for the 2007 edition of the TDF, also became the first South African to win a stage on the Grand Tour, claiming the 11th stage of the tour.
Hunter broke the news of his retirement via his Twitter feed.
"(sic) Guess it's time to hang up the wheels"
"16 years in Europe not a bad run.. now new things to look forward to."
"I'd happily race another year to do my 10th TDF and i know i got the legs but guess teams don't think so."
Hunter later validated his choice to end his career.
"One thing I won't miss is racing in the rain like today at Tour or Britain... bike comes out when the sun comes out is my new motto," tweeted the TDF stage winner.
Hunter, who last rode for Team Garmin-Barracuda, has yet to indicate his plans for the future.
Hunter, 36, who was Team Barloworld's captain for the 2007 edition of the TDF, also became the first South African to win a stage on the Grand Tour, claiming the 11th stage of the tour.
Hunter broke the news of his retirement via his Twitter feed.
"(sic) Guess it's time to hang up the wheels"
"16 years in Europe not a bad run.. now new things to look forward to."
"I'd happily race another year to do my 10th TDF and i know i got the legs but guess teams don't think so."
Hunter later validated his choice to end his career.
"One thing I won't miss is racing in the rain like today at Tour or Britain... bike comes out when the sun comes out is my new motto," tweeted the TDF stage winner.
Hunter, who last rode for Team Garmin-Barracuda, has yet to indicate his plans for the future.
