Peter Sagan reveals he is "exploring the possibility of doing two or three road races" as part of his XCO Olympic preparation

Peter Sagan's legendary road racing career seemingly came to an end at the Tour de Vendee on October 1st, however, the Slovakian may not yet be done with the road just yet.

"It's true that I announced last January that I was quitting WorldTour road racing and it's not really my intention to continue racing at this level. My goal is to have fun, to do my best and try to qualify for the Paris Olympics in XCO, where I would like my career to end," Sagan reveals in an interview with šport.sk. "However, I am talking to Specialized and exploring the possibility of doing two or three road races, certainly not WorldTour, but at a lower level, to supplement and diversify my preparation for mountain biking."

"I will most likely prefer smaller stage races to start in, but the final decision will be made together with Specialized's technical staff. Of course, a race has to fit into my schedule, which will be focused on mountain biking," he continues. "It will not be a smaller stage race with the aim of winning it, but to get the kilometers in your legs and develop your form. At the moment, no final decision has been made, I don't know what jersey I will wear, but there is no doubt Sportful, Specialized and 100% will be on it."

The former seven-time Green Jersey winner at the Tour de France and three-time world champion on the road, Sagan's final few years on the road were not without difficulty. "Two years in the Team TotalEnergies were challenging in terms of health and sports results. However, this period allowed me to be with a group of people who worked with me and made me see that you can support someone and stand by them even when you are not feeling your best," he concludes. "Therefore, I would like to thank Jean-René Bernaudeau from the bottom of my heart for always being there for me. He never criticized me and never asked for anything beyond what I was able to achieve in the race."