Pereiro, the end of the career is soon

Oscar Pereiro, winner of the Tour de France 2006, announced Tuesday that he would end his career after the Tour of Spain (August 28 to September 19). The Spaniard has not been retained by Astana to compete in the Tour de France, which starts Saturday in Rotterdam.

"We need to know when our time comes and for me it is clear that it's time to close this chapter of my life," said Oscar Pereiro in a statement. Pereiro, 32, says he made this decision after learning he was not part of the Astana team for the Tour de France which starts Saturday in Rotterdam.

The Spanish cyclist now wants "to leave cycling, showing a good level, by being competitive." "But even a victory in the Vuelta I should not change your mind," he warned. Pereiro, who turns 33 at the end of the Vuelta on Sept. 19 in Madrid, began his professional career in 2000 with the formation Porta da Ravessa.

He also raced for Phonak (2003-2005), Caisse d'Epargne (2006-2009) and Astana (since 2010). He was declared winner of the Tour de France in 2006 after the doping disqualification of Floyd Landis.