Retirement "a relief" for Zabel

Soon to be retired, Erik Zabel savors the victory

Soon to be retired, Erik Zabel savors the victory (Image credit: AFP)

Despite still riding professionally as part of the Munich Six-Day, German veteran Erik Zabel has explained that although he feels some "nostalgia" about his imminent retirement, his farewell will be "a relief". The 38-year-old, considered one of the best sprinters of the past decade, has already announced his withdrawal from the traditional Christmas race in Dortmund, held on 26 December.