Pereiro postpones retirement plans

Despite having doubts about his future as a professional cyclist after abandoning the Tour de France on stage eight, Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne) has put off plans of retirement for at least one year. "I want to continue in 2010 and then we shall see, it all depends on how I feel later," said Pereiro, according to La Voz de Galicia.

The 2006 Tour de France winner cited chronic fatigue as the reason for his withdrawal from the 2009 Tour de France, and he has yet to race since abandoning the July 11 stage between Andorre-la-Vieille and Saint-Girons after 90 kilometres. "It was a hard blow," said Pereiro. "I was exhausted, tired in every way, but now I have recovered both physically and psychologically. My hunger for cycling has returned. I have been training for 15 or 20 days, just seeing how I felt."

Pereiro's team options for 2010 have yet to be decided. There has been speculation about interest from Lance Armstrong's Team RadioShack and he hasn't ruled out returning for another year with Caisse d'Epargne, his team for the past four seasons. "Caisse d'Epargne is the team with whom I have accomplished my greatest achievements. I have no negative words to say about Caisse d'Epargne, it would be nice to stay there."

Pereiro also indicated that "the possibility of a change in scenery at another team is under consideration."

The 32-year-old Pereiro was not selected for the ongoing Vuelta a España and watching the event has been a source of motivation. "Now that the Vuelta has started I see that the bicycle is part of my life. I want to return to form again and be back at 100 percent."

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