American Scott Moninger has called time on his 17-year professional career, retiring as the winningest active U.S. rider with 275 victories. The 40 year-old's final race for his BMC team was the Tour of Missouri where he finished 24th overall.
"At this point I would have to say that I am content with what I have accomplished during my career," said Moninger, who won 12 races in his final season. "I don't know if any athlete is ever completely, 100 percent satisfied when looking back over their own performances. But I do feel that my appetite for competition and victories has been fulfilled. This was not an overnight decision for me, but one that I came to after much thought and consideration."
Moninger's career highlights include four victories in both the Cascade Cycling Classic and the Nevada City Classic, two in the Tour of the Gila, plus wins at the Redlands Bicycle Classic and the Tour de 'Toona. He also topped the individual NRC standings in 1992 and 2005.
The Colorado native rode for six teams during his professional career, namely Coors Light (1991-94), Chevrolet-Los Angeles Sheriff (1995-96), Navigators Insurance (1997-98), Mercury (1999-2002), Health Net presented by Maxxis (2004-06) and BMC (2007).
"Cycling has been my life, my love, and my passion for nearly three decades and I can honestly say that it has been a great ride for nearly every minute of every mile," he said. "Cycling has a unique way of giving back exactly what you put into it. I think that is what has kept me addicted to this sport for so many years... knowing that the harder I worked, the greater the rewards would be."
