Alexander Kristoff seems to confirm retirement: “I feel like I don’t have the strength I used to have and that’s demotivating"

Alexander Kristoff appears to be approaching the final chapter of his long and decorated career. The 37-year-old Norwegian has confirmed he is likely to retire at the end of the 2025 season, signalling the conclusion of more than 15 years in the professional peloton.

“I can confirm with almost certainty that this is my last season,” he told Het Nieuwsblad.

Kristoff has amassed an impressive list of achievements over the years, including four Tour de France stage wins, victory at Milano–Sanremo, and a triumph at the Tour of Flanders. Yet despite still producing strong results, the veteran admits he no longer feels at his best.

"The results may not be bad — I came fourth in Gent-Wevelgem, for example — but I am no longer at my best.”

His decision to step away isn’t just about form, but also motivation and priorities beyond cycling.

“I feel like I don’t have the strength I used to have and that’s demotivating. Yes, I could still achieve results next year. But that also applied to Tom Boonen when he stopped. Or Fabian Cancellara. In his last race he became Olympic time trial champion. You have to stop at some point. I’m almost 38 years old, I have four children. So there’s much more to my life than just the bike.”

Kristoff spoke candidly about the toll the sport has taken in recent years.

“Cycling has defined almost my entire life so far. I can hardly remember a time when I wasn’t cycling. I’m currently enjoying my sport less. As a cyclist, you take a lot of risks; I’ve had two serious falls in the past few weeks. When you win, cycling is fun. When you win less, it’s mostly a lot of stress.”

Currently sitting on 97 professional victories, Kristoff has one final goal in mind before he calls time on his career.

"So I definitely want to win three more times," he said earlier.