Giovanni Visconti announces retirement from pro cycling

The 39-year old Italian has had a long career in the peloton which has seen it's end at this week's Tirreno-Adriatico. Having raced at the highest level of cycling since 2005 since he turned professional with Domina Vacanze, Visconti made himself one of Italy's most classic riders in the peloton, with his traditional aggressive style of racing earning him several big results throughout his career.

"I don't know whether to consider myself weak or whether to feel strong at this very moment. I don't know what you'll all think and I don't know what to expect. But one thing I know well: For months and months I suffer on the bike and I suffer off the bike," Visconti said on a Twitter post where he announced he would not race any further in the pro peloton.

"I certainly didn't become a champion but I think I was a good rider. I have won what my body and my head have allowed me to win and if I look back I can only have some regrets, no remorse," he said. "I tried with all my strength to get back to a good level despite my many problems and indeed I must say THANKS to the Reverberi family and to all Bardiani-CSF-Faizanè for the opportunity they gave me." Visconti had signed with the Italian squad in 2021 but besides a fifth place at stage 12 of the Giro d'Italia last year, he struggled to reach a competitive level within the peloton. His last race was Tirreno-Adriatico, where he abandoned on stage two likely with the knowledge already that it would be his last day in the peloton.

His career however also had a short ban in 2012 due to working with banned doctor Michele Ferrari, known for his work with Lance Armstrong in the past, although Visconti was not banned for doping at any point. Between his 34 wins as a pro rider he has three national road titles in 2007, 2010 and 2011, two stages at the Giro d'Italia in 2013 aswell as the victory in the KOM classification in 2015, and several wins in the Italian classics which were of great reputation throughout the decades. His final win came in 2019 where he won the Giro della Toscana beating Egan Bernal and Nikolay Cherkasov in a sprint.

"Thanks everyone, THANKS CYCLING. I will miss you . I miss you already," he concluded.