"I notice it in our team with Jonas Vingegaard and also Wout van Aert" - Robert Gesink sees new generation enjoy cycling much more

In 2024, Robert Gesink embarks on his 18th and final season in the professional peloton. After competing at the top level for such a long time, the 37-year-old is looking to enjoy this last year.

"You don't want to go on for too long," the Team Visma | Lease a Bike stalwart says in an open and honest interview with De Telegraaf. "You come to a point where you may become less of a fan of racing, but more of a fan of cycling itself. Then the balance turns the other way. At some point, you notice that. For example, if you are walking through the airport again to travel to the next race, while your family goes on holiday. I especially want to be at home more, have more freedom and experience a different way of cycling."

During his long and vast career with Team Visma | Lease a Bike in their various guises, Gesink has developed from GC contender, to super-domestique to the experienced road captain. "The stress that comes with that responsibility as a classification rider was not always fun," he recalls. Notably, Gesink's best Grand Tour finish came at the 2010 Tour de France when he finished just off the podium in 4th.

"Although there is also stress when you ride in the Vuelta a Espana in the service of three leaders. Maybe in a different way, but then you shouldn't screw it up," he continues. "You do see a new generation of riders who seem to deal with it in a different way. I notice it in our team with Jonas Vingegaard and also Wout van Aert. Also look at Tadej Pogacar. He is enjoying himself, sometimes playing it seems. That's nice to see."

When asked to pick a favourite career memory, Gesink struggles. "There are so many beautiful moments that are special in their own way. Victories with the team, but also victories that I have achieved myself," he says. "The beautiful life you have as a professional cyclist. There are many things I am proud of, such as my perseverance. I have returned to the highest level every time when things have gone wrong."

"But everyone goes through things in their lives. For me it is fully exposed and for others it may be less so," he concludes, noting that like every cyclist, injuries and struggles have been plenty for him. "There is no misery scale from 1 to 10. If you bump your knee and you can't start in a race you've worked hard for, that's miserable too. Or a corona infection, which means you cannot race for a long time and may therefore no longer receive a contract. Everyone has their stories and some are more spectacular than others."