Karsten Kroom considers retiring at the end of the season

Tinkoff-Saxo rider Karsten Kroon has announced that he is likely to retire at the end of the 2014 season.

The 38-year-old, who turned pro with Rabobank in 1997, has had a number of wins in his career, including a stage victory at the 2002 Tour de France.

"When I think about it now, I cannot imagine that I will ride next year," Kroon told Dutch television show De Avondetappe.

"Cycling is my life. It has made me. It has brought me everything I have. I absolutely love the sport, but I realise also that it is over at a given moment."

Kroon, who is not riding any of the grand tours this year, is next due to race at the Eneco Tour in August.