Thomas Rohregger (Radioshack) has decided to end his career to focus on his studies. Despite having received to contract offers, the Austrian feels that it is time to change his life and is satisfied with his achievements in his pro career.

With 5 big teams folding, it's a difficult time for cycling with several riders being left without a contract for 2014. Several of them have thrown in the towel and have decided to end their career and now Thomas Rohregger has made a similar decision.

The Austrian climber made the world aware of his talents in 2007 while riding for Elk-Haus Simplon. He won the queen stage on Kitzbüheler Horn in the Tour of Austria and led the race until the time trial on the penultimate date where he dropped to 2nd. In 2008 he returned to his home race and this time, there was no one stronger than him as he won the race, thus earning a selection for the Olympic Games in Beijing and a professional contract with Milram.

Rohregger had hoped to develop into a great stage race but he failed to take any major results during his two years with Milram. He found his role as a strong domestique with Leopard-Trek and Radioshack in the final three seasons of his career.

Finding himself in a difficult situation following the demise of teams like Euskaltel, Vacansoleil, Crelan-Euphony, Sojasun and Champion System, Rohregger has decided to end his career.

"For some time, I have considered when it is time to stop," he said. "After this season which wasn't as good as it should have been, the decision has been rather easy. Together with the team management, I have decided that it is time for a change.

"I had two contract offers but they were not like "Wow, I need to do that!" Cycling is going through a difficult time, this year five teams will fold. And I have always known that one day I would have to retire even though many colleagues - first and foremest the Schleck brothers - have cnourgaed me to continue.

Rohregger never won an individual race after his 2008 Tour of Austria win but he still had some good performances while riding as a professional. He was part of the winning Radioshack squad in the team time trial in the 2011 Vuelta and he finished 4th and 7th in the Tour of Austria in 2011 and 2012 respectively.

Assessing the outcome of his career, he has no regrets.

"The highlights were obviously the win in the Tour of Austria and the victory on Kitzbüheler Horn," he said. "But also my several good results in my home race. I am proud that I have done all three grand tours. And that I was part of one of the best teams in the world and rode at the Olympics and Worlds. With Paris-Roubaix being an exception, nothing is missing from the list. Therefore I leave cycling as a satisfied man."

Rohregger will now concentrate on his studies while he will work as a mentor for young Austrian riders on the Tyrol team. He hopes to one day get involved in cycling again as he is interested in the business side of the sport.