Michael Kolár, who finished third at the Slovakian road race national championships on Sunday, has announced his retirement from the sport. The 25-year-old Bora-Hansgrohe rider - a compatriot and close friend of world champion and team leader Peter Sagan - will nevertheless remain with the German squad, taking on a new role in their PR and sponsorship department. `I`ve worked really hard these past years, and tried everything to prepare in the most professional way for this season. However, I expected a little more, and the results haven`t come. I feel now that I`m pretty much at my best level, but that this might not be enough to fulfil my own ambitions,` Kolár said in a team statement.ADVERTISEMENT `I had a chat with Ralph [Denk, team manager] about this, and after a few days he came back to me, offering a new opportunity,` he continued. `I appreciate his attitude a lot, and I think this a great chance to start something new and finally enjoy life. When I look back, there`s nothing to regret. I am proud of what I`ve achieved, especially Peter`s second world title in Doha, which was an unforgettable memory, where I was able to play a key role in the success. Now it`s time to say good-bye; the national championships was my last race as a pro.` Kolár finished third to his teammates, brothers Peter and Juraj Sagan, at the national road race, and leaves the sport having played a key role in many of Peter`s successes, having ridden with Sagan at Tinkoff before making the move to Bora-Hansgrohe together for the 2017 season. `I have great respect for Michael`s decision,` said Bora-Hansgrohe manager Ralph Denk. `You have to have character to take such a step and to be truly honest with yourself.
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