Aggiano closes 11-year career at Lombardia

Italian Elio Aggiano closed out a professional career spanning 11 years Saturday with the Giro di Lombardia. The 35 year-old rider from Puglia celebrated with his Tinkoff Credit Systems team-mates before starting the 242-kilometre Classic from Varese. He envisions working with his local amateur team and a possible role as a Tinkoff directeur sportif in the year to come.

"One of the most beautiful memories in my career was when I was able to win a race in the honour of my father, Gaetano, who still feels very close to me," recalled Aggiano, who also took a memorable win last year in a rain-soaked stage of the Tour de Langkawi. "Also the Tour de France in Paris – it was a huge emotion [with Vitalicio Seguros in 1999 - ed.]."

He makes his home in Monsummano Terme with his wife and two children, where he could help with a local team. "I have some clear ideas: to remain in the [cycling] environment to help and guide the young riders of the Monsummano team. ... Also, there is a great offer from Tinkoff Credit Systems to be a directeur sportif."

Over the years, with teams Refin (1997), Vitalicio Seguros (1998-2000), Mapei-Quick.Step (2001-2002), Formaggi Pinzolo Fiavè (2003), Team LPR (2004-2006) and Tinkoff, Aggiano accumulated 12 wins.