Yesterday Kenny Van Hummel announced his decision to retire after his contract with Androni-Venezuela wasn't renewed. Androni manager Gianni Savio explains that the decision not to keep the Dutch sprinter was related to a change in race schedule.

Androni-Venezuela manager Gianni Savio has thanked Kenny Van Hummel for the 2014 season. The Dutch ride rhas decided to end his active career at the end of a season with Androni-Venezuela in which he won three races: a stage in the Tour de Langkawi, the Tour of Azerbaijan and the Vuelta Venezuela. However, he was unable to live up to expectations in the big races.

"In our team, Kenny Van Hummel has proved that he is a good rider and a great person," Savio said in a press release. "We thank him not only for the three victories, but above all for the team spirit and determination which hedemonstrated throughout the season.

"The decision not to extend his contract depends only on the change in plans for the next season. This year we have often played a double schedule by participating in many races in Belgium and Holland, on completely flat courses that were suitable to his characteristics. In the next season, the activities abroad will be reduced and our efforts will be focused on national races. For this we have signed sprinters like Oscar Gatto, Davide Appollonio and Marco Benfatto that are able to survive the small climbs in the Italian races.

"I will have a great friendship with Kenny Van Hummel. He is a smart guy who will definitely have success in his new activities."