"I felt a lot of affection again" - Italian legend Vincenzo Nibali on ups and downs of final day as pro rider

Vincenzo Nibali had at Il Lombardia a day very much designed to his abilities, but did not have the legs he hoped for in his final day as a professional rider, a very meaningful day for the peloton as he and Alejandro Valverde said goodbye to the peloton.

“It was a very fast race," Nibali told RAI after concluding the race. "The legs have taken me as far as possible – up to the Civiglio, a tough climb that I know perfectly. If you're not great there, you can forget about it.”

The Italian rode over roads he knows like the back of his hand, and with a custom-painted tribute bike. Form looked set and he looked very sharp and lively ahead of Civiglio, but there his legs could not longer sustain the power output that the strongest on the day had in the toughest ascent.

“I enjoyed the race and the crowd. I want to thank them for the love they have always shown me. This morning, in Bergamo, I felt a lot of affection again, just like after the finish in Como. I saw children crying and felt sad. I wanted to give them a hug," he explained.

Nibali kept the pressure on and rode into the finish in 24th position, however drawing to a close an incredibly successful career that will forever see him amongst the sport's legends. “During the season, I've been able to process the emotions a bit. I came to Lombardia and I am happy with the result I achieved," he admitted. 

"To win this competition, you have to be at your best. A few years ago, when I won, it was me. This time I enjoyed the crowd and the route," he concluded. More of Nibali is expected in the coming months as the peloton will have to get used to his absence.