Gert Dockx has announced that he will end his cycling career. Dockx who rode for Lotto-Soudal this season, hangs up the bike at 28 years of age a professional career spanning eight seasons.

"After eight years at a professional level, the end had come," Dockx announced on his website. "I loved those eights and despite some setbacks, the beautiful memories take the upper hand.”

"I would like to issue a word of thanks to the teams for which I rode, Team (HTC-) Columbia, Omega Pharma-Lotto, Lotto-Belisol and Lotto-Soudal.

"I am very grateful for the opportunities I've been given. However in cycling it is not only about the teams, but especially the people who work day in and day out to make you ready: team managers, soigneurs, mechanics, medical staffing etc.: thanks!

"Because I have been riding since I was 12, I would also like to emphasize that I have always had great respect for the people who have sacrificed so much of their free time in the youth categories. Without them, I could not have grown from  the youth to a professional level .

"About my future I can currently say nothing concrete. I'm still working out what the way I want to go in. My final thanks go to my fans, supporter clubs, family and my girlfriend. It is a nice feeling when you know that people are standing behind you. A big thank you! "

Dockx had a bad year due to a crash at Nokere Koerse. One month earlier, he was hit by a car during a training ride with Thomas De Gendt in Spain. He was not offered a new contract at Lotto-Soudal.