Nardello ends career: "emotions are high"

By Gregor Brown in Harelbeke, Belgium

Italian Daniele Nardello's emotions are at a high as he faces the last races of his 16-year career. The Fuji-Servetto rider will turn directeur sportif after next Wednesday's Gent-Wevelgem.

"My emotions are high because I have a lot of good memories of these races. I hope to finish my career with some special results even if the condition is not at its maximum," said Nardello to Cyclingnews.

Nardello closed out Saturday's E3 Prijs in Harelbeke, Belgium, early. He will continue to race through the next week, which includes some of cycling's hardest one-day races: De Panne, Ronde van Vlaanderen and Gent-Wevelgem.

"I like the races in Belgium. They are races where you have to work from the first to the last kilometre. Also, there are so many fans here and they are very appreciative of the work you are doing or the results you have accomplished."

He has accomplished a lot in his career since turning professional with Mapei in 1994. The 36-year-old is the winner of the 2001 national championships, 2003 Championship of Zürich, two stages of the Vuelta a España and one at the Tour de France.