Six Day rider Slippens retires

Dutch track rider Robert Slippens is retiring in the middle of the Six Day season, with immediate effect. At a press conference in Amsterdam on Wednesday, the 33-year-old told reporters, "My body no longer has the power to accomplish such strenuous activities. Because of my physical problems, it is no longer possible to perform at the highest level for the whole winter season."

In August 2006, Slippens crashed in a road race, suffering ten broken ribs, a punctured lung and a triple collarbone fracture, injuries from which he has never been able to fully recover.

On top of his three track world championships medals, Slippens is best known for his successful Six Day racing with Danny Stam, with whom he took the decision to retire. The pair has had 11 victories, including the Six Day of Amsterdam in October and most recently the Zesdaagse van het Noorden.