After over 50 pro wins, Italian sprinter retires from cycling at 31

For a decade, Jakub Mareczko was one of the most enigmatic sprinters at the professional level. Partly due to his impressive turn of speed. But mostly thanks to his palmares with a total number of professional victories that would humble many of his sprinter colleagues. 50. If you're looking for Grand Tour triumphs or big Classics, you would not find many. However the Italian with Polish roots who switched back to the flag of his origins in 2025 became a legend of the Asian pro-calendar like none other before him.

Not to disregard his qualities, it fits to mention that the 31-year-old had also confirmed his speed in Europe, finishing runner-up in a Giro d'Italia three times in 2017 and 2018. Additionally, Mareczko arrived third in a stage of Vuelta a Espana in 2020 and crossed the line third in UAE Tour 2024. His last big international outcry.

Despite six Grand Tour participations, Mareczko never finished any of them as climbing was never his strength. That's also the main reason Mareczko never became the world's top sprinter that his incredible speed would destine him to.

But not worried by this, Mareczko had found a way to become a legend in his own regard. Over his career, Mareczko was able to raise his hands impressive 50 times with 41 of these victories originating from Asia. In this sense, the Tour of Taihu Lake was most successful for Mareczko who won 18 stages at the race in the 2015-2018 period, securing GC victory on two occasions.

Mareczko started his professional career with Team Southeast which later became Wilier Triestina - Selle Italia and even later returned for one season 2021 to its another iteration known as Vini Zabú in 2021. Mareczko also briefly raced at WorldTour level with CCC Team and later Alpecin-Deceuninck where he competed alongside the likes of Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen. His final season was spent in "home" colours of continental team Mazowsze Serce Polski.

"The time has come to stop," Mareczko announces on Instagram. "After years of dreams, sacrifices, and great emotions, I'm closing an incredible chapter in my life. I've had the privilege of racing with the best, learning from each of them, and experiencing cycling at its highest level. I'll carry with me every climb, every victory, every disappointment."

"Thanks to those who believed in me and shared the journey: the team, teammates, fans... A special thanks also goes to my family, who supported me through everything, always! This race ends here, but the passion never fades...," he concludes.