Patxi Vila ends career

Francisco Javier Vila Errandonea, commonly known as Patxi Vila, has decided to put an end to his career with immediate effect.

The 36-year-old current Utensilnord-Named rider finished 46th yesterday in what was his last ever competitive bike race, the Gran Premio Bruno Beghelli. The native of Hondarribia has enjoyed a 12-year long professional career, turning pro with iBanesto back in 2001 after spending his formative years at Caja Rural.

Despite having ridden for such illustrious teams as the aforementioned Spanish powerhouse and Lampre, as well as claiming an epic stage of the Paris-Nice in 2006, Vila will mostly be remembered for failing a testosterone test in March 2008 and his subsequent 18-month suspension.

In an open letter at www.biciciclismo.com, Vila says he'll remain attached to cycling through his future work on the technical side of the sport for a bike brand, while he closes out his statement by writing, somewhat oddly, that "I'm sorry if I have, at any moment during my career, failed, offended or simply not been 'educated'". Read the full statement here.

Photo: Pedalierweb