Nicola Rutzou
When a big-name cyclist like Mark Cavendish retires, most others miss out on the headlines, so it’s worth mentioning a few additional riders who will end their professional cycling careers this year.
All images Sirotti.it
Grace Brown
Brown’s pro cycling career has been shorter than many, but the Australian is undoubtedly going out on a high. With a career win tally of 26, highlights include the Olympic Games time trial, the World Championships time trial, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Tour Down Under, Classic Brugge-De Panne, and Brabantse Pijl.
Rigoberto Urán
Charismatic Colombian Urán has enjoyed stage wins in all three Grand Tours, podium finishes in the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, and an Olympic silver medal in the 2012 road race in London, but his achievements go well beyond the bike. He’s mentored young riders from Colombia and reportedly has a successful business empire with his own clothing line, cafeteria chain, and bike brands back in Colombia.
Thomas De Gendt
The dark beard of Belgian De Gendt was often seen in breakaways in the Grand Tours, and it was surprising when he didn’t make it into the day’s break. Some of those breakaway moments resulted in wins with two Tour de France, two Giro d’Italia and one Vuelta a España stages. Plus, stage wins in Paris-Nice, Volta a Catalunya, Tour de Suisse, Tour de Romandie, and Critérium du Dauphiné.
Michael Mørkøv
The tally of wins for a lead-out rider is often low, but the achievements are significant. Dane Mørkøv has been described as the world’s greatest lead-out man, having most recently served Mark Cavendish. His personal success came on the track with an Olympic Madison, World Track Championships team pursuit and Madison, and 13 National Track Championships.
Edvald Boasson Hägen
During Norwegian Boasson Hägen’s long career, he chalked up 81 wins. The all-rounder was particularly successful in his early career and has proved himself an excellent teammate in the later years. He notched up three Tour de France stages, one Giro d’Italia stage and wins at the GP Ouest-France, Gent-Wevelgem, Vattenfall Classic, Critérium du Dauphiné, Eneco Tour, and Tirreno-Adriatico.
