The 33-year-old CSC-Tiscali team leader made the announcement during the rest day of the Tour de France on Tuesday.

"It is the wisest decision to take, my wish is to stop when I am still a respected rider.

"I will not change my mind, I am not in the least bit bitter.

"I was not able to choose the year I made my debut among the professionals but I can choose the timing of my exit and I believe that is a privilege."

In 14 seasons as a professional, the Frenchman managed 135 victories.

Jalabert won the Tour of Spain in 1996 and was time-trial world champion in 1997.

He also won some of the most important classics, including Milan to San Remo, the Tour of Lombardy and the San Sebastian Classic.

The Frenchman is the second big name rider to announce his retirement in the last seven days after Italian Mario Cipollini last week.

Jalabert is currently 18th in the Tour de France, some four minutes and 18 seconds adrift of Spanish leader Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano.