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Phil Gaimon retires from Pro Cycling

Well known Californian Pro Cyclist, Phil Gaimon has called time on his career, to move onto new challenges

Gaimon started his pro career late at the age of 23 riding with Jelly Belly and rode for Garmin-Sharp before heading to Cannondale-Drapac.

He's held the record for the Mount Washington hill climb and placed second overall in the Tour of Taiwan in 2010 and won the Redlands Classic in 2012 and 2015. He came second in the Tour de San Luis in 2014.

Gaimon  was looking for a WorldTour ride after finishing this season with Cannondale-Drapac, but it became clear this week that no WorldTour offers were on the table.

"It would have been fun to keep going. It's a great life over in Europe, it's magical living over there in Girona and being in the show. Even if you're not winning races it feels great to be a part of it when your teammates are doing well. I would get a lot of satisfaction when I helped someone else win something, it's a team sport and it feels great to be part of that world.

"But I don't want to keep racing past my relevant time, and I don't want to be in the way of someone else living the dream."

Although Phil will be away from Pro Cycling for awhile, it's certainly not good bye.

Phil has turned his focus to promoting his Gran Fondo.

Phil is also known for his book Pro Cycling on $10 a Day, and is planning to write a few more.

He's also been pitching a television show in Hollywood - a travel show based around bikes. It's about places, being outside and seeing nature and stopping in weird little places. "It's a long shot to try and get a TV show, but honestly it's been a really fun process trying."

So this isn't the end for Phil, its the start of a new beginning.

Why not celebrate Phil's career in his nearly sold out Malibu Gran Cookie Dough, taking place November 6th in Malibu, California.

About the Malibu Gran Cookie Dough

Every time he mentions that he lives in Los Angeles, people ask how he can train in a town known only for traffic and movie stars. This is Phil's answer:

"I've ridden all over the world, and with great climbs, ocean air, and perfect weather year-round, I don't want to live anywhere else. This event was my idea to show off my home roads and help Los Angeles get the reputation it deserves as a cycling destination. I designed the courses myself, and chose the food, drinks, sponsors, and high-class amenities to give riders the full LA experience. Pro teams have held their training camps here for years. Here's your chance to find out why.!"

The 46 mile Sugar Cookie is our shortest route, but don't think it'll be easy. It starts up Potrero Road: where you'll pray around every turn that the climb will be over. Cruise along the top of Sycamore Canyon and the quiet horse farms of Hidden Valley, and then you'll face the short climb up Decker Canyon from Westlake. Survive that, and you've earned a fun descent down Mulholland Highway to to the Pacific, and a flat run to the finish. 

The 87 mile Chocolate Chip is our most popular ride. Experience the best that Southern Calfornia has to offer, with a total of four climbs, and an optional fifth on the unpaved Sycamore Canyon if you're still feeling ambitious. This is a serious route with serious altitude gain, not for beginners. 

The 118 mile Double Fudge, nearly crazy by all measurable standards. This route will test your endurance, climbing legs and will power. Select this route and you'll get a glimpse into a Pro Tour stage race. Designed by Phil himself, survive this route and you'll have something to brag about. 

Click here to visit the Malibu Gran Cookie Dough and register.

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