CSC rider Julich retires

Julich relaunched his career with the CSC team of former 1996 Tour de France winner Bjarne Riis in 2004, and could now join the team on a coaching/managerial basis.

"I have had a long career as a professional cyclist and it has been an honour to be part of a team like Team CSC for the last five years," said Julich, who followed his Olympic time trial bronze medal in 2004 with a strong 2005 season.

Julich, 36, said he no longer had the kind of motivation required to be competing at the top level of the sport.

"Being on such a great team for so long, I know what it takes to be at the top level of this sport and realize that mentally I am not able to make the sacrifices that it takes to be there anymore," he added.

"I hope to stay connected to the world of cycling because it has been my life and passion for 25 years, but I am also keeping my options open. To continue to work for Bjarne and the team in some way would be great and I would love it if that opportunity presented itself."

Team owner Riis will soon be without manager Scott Sunderland after the Australian announced his departure for the Cervelo team, which will also welcome reigning Tour de France champion Carlos Sastre for next season.

Riis said he would be happy to bring Julich on board: "I have the utmost respect for Bobby as a rider and as a person, and I would be honoured if he would consider being part of the team in another role in the future."