Perdiguero calls it a day
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ByEurosport
Published 29/08/2006 at 11:15 GMT
Spain’s Miguel-Angel Martin Perdiguero will retire at the end of the season after ten years on the professional cycling circuit. The 33-year-old’s decision was partly motivated by the withdrawal of his Swiss team Phonak but more so due to what the rider p
CYCLING 2006 Miguel Martin Perdiguero Phonak
Image credit: Imago
Perdiguero, who is currently racing in the Vuelta a Espana, attacked the "hypocrisy" of cycling after being constantly targeted by both media and officials in the on-going fight against doping.
"I have the impression that I am constantly under a microscope," he said. "Just before the Vuelta, I was yet again the object of an unannounced doping test at my own home.
"On top of that, certain people have told me that they are on to me and are baying for my blood.
"I have had two concrete offers from foreign teams but I have taken my decision and have decided to retire. I am tired of all this hypocrisy."
Perdiguero's team Phonak will be dismantled at the end of the season after suffering a cluster of high profile doping scandals in recent years, most notably that of Tour de France winner Floyd Landis, who tested positive during the race for testosterone.
The best win of Perdiguero's career came in 1999 when the Spaniard won a stage of the Vuelta at Burgos while riding in the colours of ONCE.
During his ten-year professional career, the Madrid-born rider also turned out for Kelme, Domina Vacanze and Saunier Duval, from whom he joined Phonak in 2005.
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