MY memory of Indurain is of the awesome power he showed when I was there for his early Tour wins, so it was unbelievable watching on television last year to see him unable to stay with the leaders.
His great strength was an asset in the time trials, but he was also powerful in the mountains and could stay with the specialist climbers. I thought he would try one more time for that record sixth triumph and I am surprised at his decision to retire.
However, Stephen Roche, winner in 1987 when he completed the great treble by also taking the Tour of Italy and World championship, said: "He's doing the right thing to stop now. Hats off to him for his five Tour wins in a row. But it was obvious last year that he no longer had that extra two per cent and it would not be good for him to continue on the slide.
"The fire inside him is not burning any longer. There would be fierce pressure on him, whether it was with Banesto or switching to ONCE or any other team, and I don't think he would have been able to cope with that.
"Indurain was lucky he was competing in an era when there were no other top time triallists to challenge him. However, he proved he was a great Tour champion and he should be remembered for that.
"I am not surprised at his decision, he is better off getting out now. It's best to go out with the best memories. He was a pro for 14 years and struggled for a long time before he got to the top. Good luck to him in his retirement."
Sean Kelly was not surprised either by Indurain's decision. "He has to be regarded as one of the all time Tour greats, but although he probably was physically good enough to go on and try for the sixth win, he just may not be mentally right to continue.
"After winning the Dauphine last year, he looked all set to win the Tour again, but the rain and cold were all against him.
"In his early years, he did not look to be anything out of the ordinary, but he was gradually brought along by his directeur sportif and his five wins in a row will hardly be equalled.
"Although he had started training as usual, he obviously just did not have the motivation to go on for another season and motivation is all important, especially after winning five Tours. Yes, to retire now is the right decision."
