Pierrick Fedrigo hang up the bike at the end of the season after 17 years as a pro.

"My decision is made. The bike gave me a lot but in 2017 I will no longer be part of the pack," he said.

"I want to enjoy my children and they want to share things with me. Cycling is a very demanding sport. We are away almost 200 days a year and this is not always compatible with family life. I feel it is the right time to move on.

"Cycling is both difficult and wonderful. I won some great races, but I still have to train every day to be competitive. With age, it is harder to recover, in particular in the stage races. The best things come to an end.

"I turned pro on August 1, 1999 and my goal remains the same: to win races. I always want to do well. I will work for the team and do my job to the end, with the same motivation. "

"I will not be in the team selection for the Tour de France. The Tour is not a race like the others, there is something magical, but for a rider it is also hard and difficult. I spoke with [manager] Emmanuel Hubert. The opinion of the staff had a say in my decision. The Tour is not for me. I'm sure we will have a team of motivated and competitive riders. They will show the jersey and I'll be support them. "