Swiss rider Patrick Calcagni has decided to retire from professional cycling at the end of the 2009 season. The 32-year-old from Lugano turned professional in 2000 with Vini-Caldirola, before moving to the newly formed Liquigas in 2005; he has been at Barloworld since 200X. A crash in the Tre Valli Varesine in August this year saw him break his collarbone as well as injuring his ribs and back effectively ended his 2009 season,
He ends his career in the same year as Barloworld ends it’s backing of Claudio Corti’s team.
“I was riding well and was focused on the world championships in Mendrisio, near my home” Calcagni said. “I wanted to end my career in Switzerland after ten years as professional. I’ve had a successful career but missing the world championships my only regret
“I had two great years at Team Barloworld. I rediscovered my enthusiasm for racing and for helping other riders do well. We were a team of young riders and there was always a good atmosphere in the team. I want to thank Barloworld, who always supported us 100%, and all the other sponsors who worked with us and everyone in the team,”
Calcagni’s biggest victory was the 1.1 ranked GP Cerami in Belgium in 200X. “That was definitely the best moment of my career,” he said.