Veteran cyclist Nguyen Nam Cuc has announced his retirement after 17 years of racing.

Cuc, 33, was a member of several strong teams throughout his career including Sai Gon Port, Vinamit and Sai Gon Plant Protection. He is perhaps best known for his spell as captain of HCM City Eximbank, who under his leadership won the team title at the ADC Tour of Viet Nam, the first ever International Cycling Union event here.

Cuc started cycling professionally in 1995. Three years later he was called up to the national youth team and the following year he was called up to the nation's first team at the age of just 20.

Cuc was the oldest racer in Viet Nam's cycling scene. He has a number of titles to his name including the trophy from the HCM City Television Cycling Tournament, one of the most important events in the national cycling calendar.

"Cuc is a high quality racer who we were lucky to have in our team. He is a brave, stubborn and hard-working cyclist. He was always ready for any duty and responsibility, and to support younger teammates," said coach Do Thanh Dat.

Cuc is set to join the national youth team's coaching set-up.