Frenchman Vichot calls time on career

Two-time French road race champion Arthur Vichot has announced his retirement from cycling at the age of 32.

Arthur Vichot during the 2018 Tour de France Source: Getty Images

Vichot had been out of action since February after an unidentified virus left him unable to perform at the elite level.

“After 11 years in the professional peloton, it’s finally time for me to turn the page,” Vichot wrote on social media.

“I’ll be hanging up my bike with only happy memories, of meetings and exceptional emotions, that will stay with me forever.

“I feel privileged, and want to thank cycling, and sport in general, very much, as well as the caring and positive people who have allowed me to become the athlete and the man that I am.

“Now, a ‘new life’ awaits, with other projects and other goals,” he added.

“And I wish all my future ex-teammates all the best.”

The news will come as a surprise to some Australian fans, who developed a strong affinity with the Frenchman during the 2010 Tour Down Under in Adelaide.