Tour de France: Joaquim Rodriguez to retire at end of 2016
By Mark Crellin
Last Updated: 11/07/16 1:00pm
Veteran Spaniard Joaquim Rodriguez has announced he will retire at the end of the season.
The 37-year-old Katusha rider currently lies fifth in the Tour de France standings, 37 seconds behind leader Chris Froome.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday's rest day, an emotional Rodriguez said: "I would like to announce that this is my last year of competition.
"I would like to stop while I'm still at a good level. I love this sport and I wouldn't change a thing about these years I have spent as a professional.
"I would like to thank my family and everybody who has supported me during my career."
Rodriguez has finished on the podium in each of the three grand tours but has not yet managed to win one.
However, he has won 14 stages of grand tours and topped the UCI WorldTour rankings in 2010, 2012 and 2013.
