After a career spanning 15 years, Lampre's Gianluca Bortolami has decided to retire. A pro since 1990, the Italian has taken wins at the Tour de France, GP of Zurich, Giro del Piemonte and the Tour of Flanders, having ridden for teams such as Vini Caldirola, Saunier Duval and Lampre. Bortolami suffers from a myocarditis, caused by a virus that leaves scars on the heart, and after a lengthy and illustrious career, Bortolami decided to end his career at the age of 37.
The Italian veteran was full of praise for all the support he's received, but hopes to maintain some activity within the sport, albeit in a different role. "I thank the team and particularly the Galbusera family, all the sponsors and Giuseppe Saronni; they all gave me the trust and the hope of being able to continue to run until the end," he said. "I would also like to thank all the technical staff and my teammates - this forced withdrawal makes me miss the sport that I always loved in a stronger way. I hope to be able to stay in the cycling world with a new role."
