Colombian Santiago Botero may retire from the sport after failing to find a team for the 2009 season. The 2002 world time trial champion was reportedly in negotiations with Colombia es Pasion after refusing to extend his contract with the American Rock Racing team..
The 36-year-old told Caracol Radio, "I love sport, but this year there is nothing, no contract, no timetable."
Botero was highly successful in the European peloton during his career with first Kelme, then Team Telekom, and then Phonak. In addition to his world championship, he won three stages of the Tour de France (2000, 2002) one stage in the Vuelta a España (2002) and the Tour of Romandy before being fired by Phonak in 2006 when he was named in the doping scandal Operacion Puerto. He was later cleared, but never returned to race in Europe.
