(Updates after Cipollini farewell ride)
REGGIO CALABRIA, Italy, May 7 - Close to tears,
Italian cycling champion Mario Cipollini bade farewell to the
Giro d'Italia on Saturday.
The 38-year-old Tuscan waved to the crowd after riding down
the prologue time trial course five minutes behind the last
official rider Damiano Cunego.
Cipollini rode in a special pink jersey decorated with the
names of the towns where he won each of his 189 career
victories.
"It's a moving moment. I'm leaving a life behind me," he
said.
"It's nice to know that people pay me back with affection
but this is the end of the road for me.
"The Giro was a dream for me, so it's not easy to express
what I'm feeling.
"I've had a lot from cycling but I think I've also given a
lot to it. Now it's time to make room for some younger riders."
Cipollini announced his retirement last week after 17 years
as a professional, having won a record 42 stages at the Giro.