Boogerd leaves Rabobank for good

Michael Boogerd and Rabobank have mutually decided to end their business relationship. The 36 year-old rode for the Dutch team for 12 years before retiring at the end of last season. He had hoped to stay associated with the team, but was instead offered a position at the sponsoring bank. He has now decided that he does not enjoy that work and will look for something else.

"I appreciate that Rabobank gave me the opportunity after my athletic career to continue my relationship with them. Since a sports-related position with the team was not among the possibilities, I focused myself on communication activities for the bank," Boogerd said on the team's website, rabosport.nl. "In this time I have found that I have no pleasure in this field. So it is better for all involved simply to stop. I will now orient myself in other directions."

Heleen Crielaard, head of sponsoring for Rabobank, said, "Michael was the mainstay of our cycling team for many years. As a former rider he could have played an important part in his new role. But we respect Michael's decision."