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.
"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.
"Michael talked to me a few weeks ago, telling me that he was thinking about retiring. After our chat, we thought about where we might able to find a role for him to stay with the team. The conclusion was for him to take on VIP and guest management at some races as part of our sponsorship department.
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"I think that, with his insight to the sport and his personal experience as a pro, he can give our guests and sponsors a great time at races and add value to our team. I hope that this role will be a good start for him in this new period of his life," said Denk.
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