Jalabert to retire in October

18-07.-2002, 12:31 AM

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Jalabert to retire in October

from cyclingnews.com

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Jalabert to retire in October
By Jeff Jones in Bordeaux

Laurent Jalabert (CSC-Tiscali) has announced his decision to retire at the end of the season, contrary to earlier reports that he would continue through 2003. Jalabert made the announcement at a press conference in Bordeaux velodrome during the first rest day of the Tour de France.

When asked why, he replied, "Last year I told myself that to finish on a high level, with the Tour de France that I had done, would be formidable. Everyone dreams of that. But I still wanted to race. I felt in good form at the beginning of the season. I was full of morale. Then I had some health problems."

"I believe that the decision is wise. I've had a long career and my wish is to stop whilst being a respected and respectable racer. I was used to playing the top roles, I do not see myself in a secondary role. I had the spirit to continue at the beginning of year, I was sincere. But, today, this decision is irrevocable. This is a choice in my life."

"I spoke about it with my wife Sylvie, who never asked me to do it but was very happy with my decision. I spoke about it with my brother Nicolas who was on my side, and three days with Bjarne Riis, my directeur sportif, whom I was anxious for to be at my side for this announcement, because there is no funny business."

Jalabert described himself as "ready to turn the page...not at all depressed, even if the moment is a little hard for me. The bicycle, has been my whole life up to now. I would like to rediscover a little more calm in my life but the bicycle always has a big place in my heart."

In future, "I envisage a career as a directeur sportif. But I would like very much to be present at a number of events in the season, the races that everyone dreams of doing."

Jalabert is not sure whether he will remain in Switzerland, or return home to France. "I am very attached to my home but it is true that I have found a balance in Switzerland."

He has few regrets in his very successful career, "I maybe had the potential to win a Tour, I can regret not being the World Champion in Benidorm (1992), but at that moment I was not quite capable. There aren't many regrets."

When asked whether he was motivated for the rest of the Tour, he answered "I don't think I am any less motivated - you saw it in the prologue. My decision was taken at the Midi Libre. I told myself that it was not necessary to regret anything. My aim is to make the sacrifices in the final three months."

In his 14 seasons as a pro, Laurent Jalabert did not consider himself 'unlucky'. "I had some terrible crashes, but in comparison with all the kilometres I rode at all times... It is necessary to have the capacity to come back, rebound, to face the great difficulties when one encounters them. That will serve me well in future."

The future of French cycling is good according to Jalabert, who will leave a big hole when he departs the scene. "There are a lot of French riders with the right qualities, the temperament. I have the impression of discovering my roots when the stars were Fignon, Mottet, Bernard. Just wait a little for the likes of Chavanel, Casar."

Finally at the World Championships in Zolder in October, "I will do the Championships to win them or to help the French team win. If by chance I win, it would be fantastic but that would not change my decision. I would then be the first retired World Champion."

Jalabert is 33 years old, and has won 135 races including a World Time Trial Championship, a Vuelta España, three editions of Paris-Nice and many, many more.

18-07.-2002, 04:35 AM	#2
Guest Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Jalabert to retire in October Arrrggg, at this rate there will be nobody left to watch in a few months time  >

18-07.-2002, 04:42 AM	#3
Guest Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Jalabert to retire in October yeah everyone is either being done for dope or they're getting to old...... hehe The 1973-78 generation is starting to win races now......I miss indurain  :'(

18-07.-2002, 08:07 AM	#4
Vo2 ArchAngel Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Orion Nebula Posts: 2,163	Re: Jalabert to retire in October Indurain vs. Armstrong in the mountains - now that would of been awesome! I'm sad to see JaJa go. He's given us some good entertainment in the mountains during the years. __________________ Pain is inevitable...suffering is optional

18-07.-2002, 08:37 AM

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Re: Jalabert to retire in October

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Indurain vs. Armstrong in the mountains - now that would of been awesome!

I'm sad to see JaJa go. He's given us some good entertainment in the mountains during the years.

JaJa was more a 'low' mountian rider.....not a pure climber, he was also a great sprinter in his early days. Does everone remember the french copper who stepped out in front of the bunch as they were sprinting for the line in an early 90's TDF? JaJa was one of the worst injured in the pile-up.....not bad for someone who could have won a TDF IMO.

To change from a sprinter to someone who can get over the thoughest climbs takes something special. He's one of the best riders we'll live to see.

19-07.-2002, 03:07 PM	#6
Guest Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Jalabert to retire in October He made a great run at it today. While I pull for Lance to win thte Tour, I was pulling for Jalabert today to hold on and win the stage. It was difficult to watch him crack at the end and then inspirational to see him pull himself back together for a respectable finish.

20-07.-2002, 02:11 AM	#7
Guest Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Jalabert to retire in October i've said it before and i'll say it again, JaJa is one of the best riders we'll live to see.  ;D I havent seen the highlights from that stage.....i'm counting down the minutes to 6pm when theyre shown  ;D ;D

20-07.-2002, 02:11 PM	#8
Guest Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Jalabert to retire in October Sorry Steve, I'll try to refrain from discussing the stages in the AM here in the US I forget that you guys may not see it till later. It kind of ruins the fun if you know how it ends.

20-07.-2002, 09:26 PM

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Re: Jalabert to retire in October

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Sorry Steve,
I'll try to refrain from discussing the stages in the AM here in the US I forget that you guys may not see it till later. It kind of ruins the fun if you know how it ends.

Nah its ok...most of us would had seen the results and stage reports on the net anyway  

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