"I had already talked about quitting cycling": Fernando Gaviria reveals he nearly retired before Caja Rural lifeline

Fernando Gaviria has revealed that he was on the verge of retiring from professional cycling at the end of 2025, only for an offer from Caja Rural to pull him back from the brink. Speaking ahead of the Tour of Oman, the 31-year-old Colombian admitted that his exit from Movistar Team had left him contemplating the end of his career.

Gaviria, a winner of 52 professional races including stages at the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France, endured a difficult 2025 season. A combination of injuries and non-selection left him demoralized.

"It may be because of my trajectory... but I had already talked in my house about quitting cycling," Gaviria told AS regarding his mindset last winter. "I was thinking about it, about retirement, but Caja Rural insisted a lot."

The decision to continue was largely influenced by his family. "I talked about it with my wife and she also told me that they were showing a nice interest in me, that I should accept, that I should do everything I could this year."

Gaviria's disillusionment came from a "difficult" 2025, which began with an injury at the UAE Tour. However, the breaking point was his exclusion from Movistar's squad for the Tour de France. "Being left out of the eight of Movistar for the Tour de France was a hard blow because I had prepared for it," he confessed. "A blow to the spirit that changes all plans."

However, the landscape has drastically shifted now. Caja Rural-Seguros RGA has received a historic wildcard invitation to the 2026 Tour de France, giving Gaviria a potential path back to the world's biggest race.

"It is a dream and a very important step for the team, sponsors... and that makes you change the chip and take a step further," Gaviria said. "Being in the Tour requires doing everything possible to achieve a good representation."

Despite his status as a former yellow jersey wearer and a prolific winner, Gaviria insists he is not demanding a guaranteed spot. "I don't want to impose, but to be where the team needs me and be able to help, so I let them make all the decisions. If the point comes where they tell me I'm not going to the Tour, I will understand because they will have their reasons."

Gaviria signed a one-year deal with the team, but he says his gratitude for the opportunity means Caja Rural - Seguros RGA will have priority regarding his future, even if WorldTour teams try to sign him at the end of this season.

"We'll see how things develop because Caja Rural will have the first say with me. Caja Rural will have the first voice with me," he stated. "If any offer comes from the World Tour or similar, they will have the opportunity to sit down and talk. They gave me this opportunity and it is also a way to thank them. It's a team that's growing, with a good sponsor, and going to the Tour will be a boost. They'll be making quality signings, bringing up some strong riders from the youth academy, and I hope to contribute as much as possible."

For now, the goal for the 2026 season is just to enjoy: "Since December, from my first contact with the team, I've been achieving that: enjoying the bike. What is missing to put the icing on the cake would be to start getting victories."