Museeuw retires

ByReuters

Published 14/04/2004 at 17:00 GMT

Belgian cyclist Johan Museeuw announced his retirement on Wednesday after finishing in 77th place in the Grand Prix de l'Escaut near Antwerp. Arguably the finest one-day cyclist in the world over the past decade, Museeuw ended his career after a 16-year c

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Museeuw became a national hero after winning Belgium's most popular race, the Tour of Flanders, in 1993, 1995 and 1998.

He was world road champion in 1996 in Lugano having also won the World Cup and the Belgian championship.

Museeuw, who was in a coma for more than two weeks following a motorcycle crash in 2000, was known as the Lion of Flanders for his aggressive and determined style of racing.

GP Escaut

Museeuw brings down curtain on career

13/04/2004 at 11:35

"I hope I will be remembered as a rider who always gave his all. I'm very proud of what I've achieved during my career," the 38-year-old said.

"There have been so many good and bad moments but I think the best was when I won the Tour of Flanders in 1995 because I won it on my own after attacking on the legendary Muur of Grammont climb. My world title in Lugano in 1996 was also very special."

The soft-spoken Museeuw first made a name for himself by taking two Tour de France stages in 1990. He wore the race leader's yellow jersey twice, in 1993 and 1994, during the reign of five-times winner Miguel Indurain.

Museeuw will remain in the sport as a team director for the Quick Step team but admitted he will miss racing.

"My professional career is now over but I'll always ride my bike because I still love cycling," he said.

"The first difficult moment will be on Sunday at the Amstel Gold Race in Holland. Instead of taking part in the race, I'll be following in the team car, that's when it will really hit me that I'm no longer a rider."

On Wednesday, Museeuw made an emotional dash to try and win the Grand Prix de l'Escaut but was caught by the main field after a few minutes of glory.

His team mate and fellow Belgian Tom Boonen triumphed ahead of Australia's Robbie McEwen and Simone Cadamuro of Italy.

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