After a long and very successful career Ludo Philippaerts will stop competing. Ludo – now 51 years old – has been among the world’s best riders for decades. The Belgian rider has a team gold medal from the 1991 European Championships, and an individual silver medal from the 2001 European Championships – as well as having several Olympic Games, World Championships and World Cup Finals behind him.

"For 46 years I have practiced my sport with ups and downs, setbacks and successes. The sport has given me everything, but I have had to fight hard for it and that's why I'm so proud my career," Philippaerts says.

"Now it's time to pass on the torch and finally quit my career as an athlete. Nicola and Olivier have already shown fantastic things, but they still have a long way to go."

Source: sporza.be