“I say goodbye to elite sport with a smile” - Lennard Hofstede on life after retirement

Having retired from professional cycling at just 29 years old earlier this month, Lennard Hofstede is the latest case of riders deciding to end their careers early. However, unlike many professional cyclists, who often find it difficult to cope with life after retirement, Hofstede seems to have found a new purpose for himself.

Speaking to AD, the former Team Visma | Lease a Bike and Team Sunweb rider stated that “being a teacher at a primary school seems interesting to me. Teachers are desperately needed, especially because many people will retire in the coming years”.

Reflecting on his career in the sport, the Dutchman said “I didn't have that real killer mentality. I was perhaps a little too nice for professional cycling. The results might have been even better”.

However, despite not having a professional victory to his name, Hofstede was part of many successful squads, including all three of Primož Roglič’s Vuelta a España winning teams at Jumbo-Visma. Overall, he seems fairly pleased with his career, stating that “I am grateful for the many wonderful experiences I have gained at both cycling formations. I say goodbye to elite sport with a smile”.