37 year old Dane, Frank Hoj, has decided to bring his lengthy 16 year career to an end following the conclusion of this season.
Speaking with Danish television's TV2 website, Hoj conceded that he has just had enough.
"I have reached the point of no return. My legs have suffered so much. I would like to be able to do a nice bike ride without necessarily hurting."
Hoj made his professional debut in 1994 with the Belgian Palmans team. Hoj made a career as a one day specialist and as a tireless support rider. Even as he headed toward his 37th year and 17th season, Bjarne Riis still wanted Hoj back, a testament to not only his riding abilities, but his well known fun personality.
Hoj enjoyed his greatest successes in the Spring Classics, with a 2nd at Het Volk in 2002, along with top 10's at both the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix in 2004. Hoj was not a prolific winner, but did manage a number of solid wins, including his last, the race that is running right now, the Circuit Franco Belge, in 2005. Hoj also managed top 10's in both the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games.
1998 was undoubtedly his best season - he took the win at Veenendaal-Veenendaal, as well as the Danish national championship.
Don't look for Hoj in the director's seat of any team cars anytime soon. The hardman intends to find himself a completely new career path after hanging up his wheels at the end of this season.
"I'll start over from scratch with a new career that has nothing to do with cycling."