Controversial cycling star Richard Virenque has confirmed that he plans to quit the sport. Four-time Tour de France King of the Mountains winner Virenque has been at the eye of the drugs storm in cycling this year, amid accusations by the former masseur of his Festina team that he took the banned drug EPO.

Virenque (28), has persistently denied ever taking banned substances, and said last Tuesday that official tests that appeared to contradict him were false.

The Festina team were thrown out of the Tour de France in July after former masseur Willy Voet was found with a boot load of drugs. Virenque has since been dropped by Festina.

Virenque confirmed his decision to quit in a press release.

"He has the impression that he is leaving his career with work unfinished, and offers his apologies to his supporters," a statement said.

"He would love to continue and make dreams come true, but he is not being given that chance."