Known as Vincenzo Nibali's close friend and bodyguard, Valerio Agnoli finds himself in a difficult situation after his contract with Astana wasn't renewed. However, he is not ready to retire yet and still hopes to find a new team.

On January 6, Valerio Agnoli will turn 30 but he hopes to find a new team before that day. With nine years of experience and a stage win in the Tour de Langkawi on his palmares, he is known as a strong, loyal domesque but this year he got the disappointing message from Astana manager Alexandre Vinokourov. "Valerio, you are a serious professional but our team needs stronger riders."

Agnoli didn't like the messgae but accepyed his faith. The Italian has skipped his holiday and is now at home with his wife and his daughter.

"My agent Giuseppe Acquadro is working ahrd to find a solution," he tells Tuttobiciweb in an interview. "There are so many things going on but at the moment we have not made any decision. In the meantime, I am dedicated to my work at home. I am rearranging the entire electrical system from scratch. I am a big fan of technology and the electrical system must be adapted to mu equipment. I have been wotking with my older brother Marco and my father in law Tonini and my electrician Toberto who is a real magician."

Despite not having a team, Agnoli will soon get back to training.

"I am still taking a rest and I think I will go back to the gym next week. After Lombardy, I took a break and I have rested a lot. As I told you, I have dedicated myself to my family and housework and other things I love to do."

Due to the difficult cycling market, Agnoli knows that he may have to retire prematurely.

"These days it is a real possibility but my agent has made it clear that a solution will be found," he says. "It is a difficult time with riders like Enrico Gasparotto and Francesco Gavazzi from Astana both being in the same situation. As far as I understand, they are still looking for a team. There are many free riders. It doesn't make me feel peaceful but I understand that the situations is as it is."

Agnoli has found himself in a similar position before.

"In 2007, after my fourth year as a professional, when the Aurum Hotel team folded, I was without a team like many others. On that occasion I was lucky: thanks to Giovanni Lombardi and Stefano Zanatta and Dr. Paolo Dal Lago, I joined Liquigas where I rode for five seasons. A great experience.

"I am still young. I really want to do well and I think I have much to give. I have a lot of passion and a 30-year-old rider is in the midst of his physical and mental maturity. I'm not quite ready for retirement."