Breaking: Boogerd Announces Retirement Plans

by Chris Fontecchio on Apr 19, 2007 6:59 PM EDT in News

Michael Boogerd seized what little ounce of hometown sympathy wasn't already directed his way in anticipation of Sunday's Amstel Gold Race by announcing that this season will be his last. At 34 years old and in his 14th season, he probably hasn't shocked many people with the announcement. Personally I don't think he has a snowball's chance of scoring his 53rd career victory this weekend, but his DS had a nice, and I think very a-propos, description of Rabo's long-time classics ace:

"Michael Boogerd is still a fantastic athlete. I love to watch him race, because with him it comes straight from the heart," said team manager Theo de Rooij. "For Dutch cycling in general and for the Rabobank Cycling Teams more in particular it is a pity that the era comes to an end. `Boogie' has given a lot to Dutch cycling."

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It's a pity

That we can't see his huge teeth after this year.

by BDBrian on Apr 19, 2007 9:00 PM EDT reply actions

Well, he is awfully

long in the tooth..

Vlaenderen die Leu

by Peter Fontecchio on Apr 19, 2007 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Ok I am a little

confused....does that mean his teeth will retire this year and the rest of him next year....or did his teeth retire last year and now he is finally coming across the line following them.

The Crystal Method

Race Calendar

by Clydesdale on Apr 20, 2007 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions

...and what about Moreau's tongue?

How many bugs will he catch while he is in the act of retiring?

The S. Obedient Flying Dog Boy

by flying dog on Apr 21, 2007 7:47 AM EDT up reply actions

First Breukink comment:

The first rider that springs to mind as a replacement is Karsten Kroon. His contract finishes at the end of 2007, he's a logical replacement, so it's not unthinkable that he would return to Rabo.

by DZI on Apr 20, 2007 6:45 AM EDT reply actions

I've always liked him and he's been

a good support rider for years. I'd like to see him get a chance at a more prominent role.

"I don't know too many monkeys who could take apart a fuel injector."

by Drew on Apr 20, 2007 8:46 AM EDT reply actions

Prominent role

He may get the formal title of captain at Rabo but I doubt he will get better support than at CSC. They are however likely to throw a ton of guilders his way and it's hard to see him turning them down. A podiumplace this weekend could secure him a massive deal.