Morrás hangs up the wheels

Onda-Boavista rider Miguel Morrás has decided to retire from the sport of cycling at the ripe old age of 24, BiciCiclismo.com reports. The young Basque did not succeed in finding a team for the upcoming season, and was thus forced to put an end to his 30-month long professional career.

"I've come to this decision due to the lack of opportunities to continue. It ends a stage of my life, a stage full of opportunities I did my utmost to seize through effort, sacrifice and belief. But mostly through enjoyment. To enjoy the experience was always in the back of my mind".

Though no doubt disheartened with his enforced retirement, the native of Vítoria is first and foremost grateful for the opportunity he got to ride his bike for a living.

"Although my life as a pro was shorter than I'd hoped, I feel privileged to have met the people I've done and learnt so much. It's been an enriching experience on a personal level."

The former Seguros Bilbao prodigy reserved special praise for Xabier Artetxe, his highly-taught off former DS.

"I would like to highlight Xabier Artetxe who, besides showing me that cycling can be a way of life, instilled values in me that will last a life-time. Finally, I'd like to thank everyone who's cheered for and followed me. I've always felt supported."