Cyclingnews.com has revealed that top Dutch XC racer Bas Van Dooren, who finished second in the World Cup in 2000 will have to abandon mountain bikes and head for the road.

His contract (and that of the other team members) with Specialized has not been renewed after team manager Gert Van Theunisse failed to find a major sponsor. Van Dooren told the ANP news agency “It’s enormously painful for me to do this, but the sport is dying. I always will find it a beautiful sport, but in the current situation, it is not possible for me to go further.”

He is now attempting to follow in the footsteps of Cadel Evans and others, by looking for a place on a road based team for 2002.

We’re still waiting for news from British Specialized star, Caroline Alexander, about her future in the sport.