"After seventeen professional seasons, it's time for me to stop. It wasn't an easy decision to make, but I'd rather finish in good physical shape than go on for one year too many.
I feel that I've done everything I can. I've maximized what I could bring to the team during my career. When I look back, I see a lot of hard work, a lot of emotions, and unforgettable memories.
I have always been deeply passionate about this sport. Since 2007, I have been racing with my heart.
This career has been a wonderful human adventure punctuated by wonderful encounters. And that is what I will remember most.
I am proud of how far I have come, even if I haven't (yet) won a race.
I have 22 days of racing left and I want to stay focused until the end of the Vuelta España (August 26–September 17) in Madrid, where I will end my career.
I will race for the last time in France at La Polynormande, in front of my family and friends.
I haven't participated since 2013, when I finished fifth. I've wanted to go there since the beginning of the year. It's a great joy to return to this circuit, two kilometers from where I grew up.
I won the La Polynormande race for juniors in 2002, twenty-one years ago. It's a powerful symbol for me.
The Tour Pologne got me back on track, and I'm counting on feeling refreshed to enjoy myself on Sunday in Normandy, then in Spain. I'm really motivated."