Colombian cyclist Santiago Botero, best known for winning the mountains classification in the Tour de France and the world championship time trial, has announced his retirement from the sport.
Botero suffered from dengue fever, and the cyclist admitted that he had difficulties returning to his old level following that set-back.
The now 37-year-old began his career in 1996 and gained most of his fame riding for Spanish team Kelme. In 2000, the rider won the mountains classification (Polka Dot jersey) in the Tour de France and in 2002 he clocked the best time in the World Championship time trial.
Botero went on to ride for German team T-Mobile in 2003 but never managed to return to the form he had at Kelme.
In 2006, then riding for Phonak, Botero was involved in doping allegations but was eventually cleared and avoided suspension.
The last few years of his career, Botero spent in his home country Colombia. At the moment of retiring, he rode for Indeportes Antioquia.