André Griepel: ‘I quickly learned I was not part of the plan at Lotto – Soudal’

André Greipel said he is not ready to retire and is looking to perform at Paris-Roubaix as he steps down from the WorldTour.

The German sprinting sensation is moving down to join French Pro Continental outfit Arkéa - Samsic, after learning he did not have a future at Lotto-Soudal.

Greipel, now 36, said the move does not mark the winding down of his career as he continues to target big races.

In an interview with Spanish newspaper AS, Greipel said: “In 2018, I quickly learned that I was no longer part of the plan at Lotto-Soudal.

“I spoke with Manu [Arkéa - Samsic manager Emmanuel Hubert] and he showed great enthusiasm about me signing.

“Finally, I decided to face this challenge with him.”

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Greipel’s winning form has been sporadic in recent years – his last Tour de France stage victory came in 2016, when he won the final day in Paris.

In 2017, he won one stage at the Giro d’Italia but none at the Tour.

Last year was another mixed season for Greipel, who won his first race at the Tour Down Under and followed it up with victory on the final day.

He struggled at the Tour de France, winning no stages before being eliminated when he finished outside the time cut on stage 12 to Alpe d’Huez.

But Greipel returned stronger in the late season, winning two stages at the Tour of Britain.

He said: “My head remains strong. I’m still passionate about my spot.

“I have not decided when I'll stop.

“One day my career will come to an end, but not yet.”

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Having won a stage of all three Grand Tours, including 11 in France, there is very little missing from Greipel’s palmarès.

But there is one gap in his illustrious career – he has yet to win a Monument.

His best opportunity came in 2017, when he finished seventh in Paris-Roubaix, just 12 seconds down on winner Greg Van Avermaet.

Looking ahead to the 2019 season, Greipel said “I would like to do a good Paris-Roubaix" - that goal is at least possible, after his new team have been given a wildcard spot to ride the cobbles.