While riders like Fabian Cancellara (35) and Tom Boonen (36) have opted not to ride until they are in their forties, one of the veterans is not ready for retirement. The 40-year-old Spaniard Francisco Mancebo has extended his contract with SkyDive-Dubai for one year.

Francisco Mancebo has been on the professional scene since 1998, when the late Marco Pantani won the Tour de France. With his frenetic style, the Spaniard kicked was 4th in the 2005 Tour de France.

"Why should I already stop racing?" Mancebo, who drifted into the background in 2006 after he was caught up in the Operacion Puerto, told Ciclo21. "I still earn good money with cycling, I can travel, get to know new places while I maintain my physical condition."

Today Mancebo rides for the continental SkyDive Dubai team. 

"The team will be ProContinental. The money is there, because it is one of the richest teams. But it takes more than just a lot of money."

Other veterans like Davide Rebellin, Chris Horner and Matteo Tosatto are still looking for a new team.