Ex French road champion Didier Rous has decided to hang up his bike for good. the 36 year-old decided to stop due to physical problems. "It is not a decision that I made with pleasure, but it has been decided: I'm stopping!" explained Rous to French newspaper L'Equipe while visiting his team mates at the on Monday.

Rous turned professional in 1992, and was French champion in 2001 and 2003. He was a member of the Festina ꦓteam at the 1998 Tour de France, and since 2000 he has been a member of the team run by Jean-Renℱé Bernaudeau.

As well as two tri-color titles, Rous also won some prestigious one day races including Paris-Camembert in 2000, GP Ouest-France in 2004, the Trophée des Grimpeurs in 2001, 2003 and 2006, as well as the Midi Libre stage race in 2000. He also took a stage in the Tour de France i𒀰n 1997.

Rous has decided to stop rac𓄧ing immediately due to a hernia, but is expected to remain with Bouygues Telecom in some capacity.