Beloki retires

"I have gone 18 months without competing and have fought against the wind and the tide to get a number on my back, but it has been impossible," Beloki said.

The 34-year-old Spaniard said he hoped to continue working in the world of cycling in some capacity.

Beloki achieved podium finishes at the Tour de France in 2000 and 2001, coming in third on both occasions.

He was implicated in the Spanish investigation into doping in sport known as Operacion Puerto in 2006.