Two days ago Fabian Cancellara announced that 2016 will be his last year in the peloton. According to Tre team manager Dirk Demol, the decision was taken a long time ago and his crashes have had no influence.

"The decision to retire next year was already taken," Dirk Demol told Sporza. "Whenthe Trek Factory Racing team was launched, he signed a contract for three years. It was clear that it would be his last contract. He has not changed his mind."

2015 is a year to forget for Cancellara, with two heavy crashes and illness in the Vuelta. Has it played a role in his decision? "No, it was really taken a long time ago. He has a year with bad luck but 2016 was always going to be his last year.

"He's a proud rider and wants to say goodbye in style. He is only 35 and wants to be up there again."

According to Demol, Cancellara's palmares are impressive and the TT specialist will be missed. "He reached the top at a young age and has always remained there. Cancellara appeals to many people with his way of racing. If he wins, it's in a nice way."

Demol explains that the Swiss plans to do a full year. "It's not on the cards that he will stop immediately if he wins a big race. He wants to do a full year."

Which specific goals does the quadruple time trial world champion have for 2016? "The Olympic road race is too hard, but the Tour visits Bern, where he lives. But I am not saying that he will definitely do the Tour.

"Right now it is not clear what his last race will be. He is already focused on the spring, but the rest will be decided later," Demol said.