The 30-year-old antique, who has 19 grand excursion-level wins to his name, including 14 at the Tour de France, joined the outfit last year; however, he has not reproduced the form that made him one of the world’s best sprinters.

“At this moment, I am not capable of educating and racing at the very best stage,” Kittel said in a statement that also thanked his group for all its support.

“For this reason, I have determined to take a break and take time for myself, reflect onconsideration on my dreams, and make a plan for my future.”

Kittel terminates Katusha agreement to take destroy from biking 1

“It became an extended selection system for me, wherein I raised many questions about how and where I need to move as an athlete and what’s clearly important to me.

“I love biking, and my ardor for this stunning recreation is by no means gone; however, I also recognize what it requires from me and what I need to succeed.”

Earlier this 12 months, Kittel spoke to journalist Sophie Smith approximately his hard transition from experiencing numerous to just a handful for her Procycling Magazine piece on the peloton’s intellectual health.

“You realize, afteron018, I discovered again what an enterprise we’re in. It’s no longer a sport within the first vicinity; it is an enterprise you don’t sincerely recognize as a neo-seasoned.

“Different humans have lots of expectations. If you act properly, all people are happy, and if everything is not going to plan, then not everybody is happy. You have to discover ways to deal with that.

“A lot of it becomes black in 2018. I should not conceal that it is very brief that you feel you’re for your own, after which it is difficult to look at the motives behind you doing this.”