Rumours of Backstedt's retirement premature

Magnus Backstedt (Liquigas)

Magnus Backstedt (Liquigas) (Image credit: Gregor Brown)

Following a solid performance in last week's Paris Roubaix, where he was in the main chase group with winner Stuart O'Grady until a mechanical knocked him out of contention, Magnus Backstedt has found himself having to deny rumours of his imminent retirement. "Lots of rumours started appearing in the French media last Saturday regarding my alleged retirement from the sport. Maybe they were confusing me with Lars Michaelsen who did retire on Sunday, but it is not true"

Laura Weislo
Managing Editor

Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.