British cyclist David Millar has announced that he will be retiring at the end of next season.
The 36-year-old, who has won four stages at the Tour de France during his 16 years as a professional, has admitted that his passion for riding has dropped in recent times.
He will continue to represent Garmin-Sharp until the conclusion of 2014, and Millar is hoping that setting a deadline on his career will motivate him to have a successful final campaign.
"It has been quite organic really," he told Wieler Revue. "You always think it is going to be a definitive moment, but it hasn't. It has kind of crept up and I am suddenly realising it is time.
"I think my body is actually getting stronger. It is just I don't want it or need it as much as I once did. It is very much a conscious decision.
"I can still be on top of the game - I know that - but it is a lot harder for me now and I want to be on top of my game next year, so I know I can get that out of me. With the motivation of knowing it is my last year, I know I can get the best out of myself."
Millar confessed in 2004 to using banned substance EPO, but, after serving a two-year ban, has since became a vocal campaigner for clean cycling.
Joe Fish
