Iconic Tim 'El Tractor' Declercq will bid farewell to professional cycling at the end of this season
Cycling
Cycling will lose another of its most recognizable figures at the end of this season. Unlike Geraint Thomas, Alexander Kristoff, Jakob Fuglsang or Giacomo Nizzolo, Tim Declercq has never excelled as a rider that would win the biggest races in the world, but his presence in the peloton has been regardless overwhelming. With his endless shifts at the front of peloton, Declercq gained a nickname 'El Tractor' that over the years became synonymous with the reliable teammate the 36-year-old Belgian had become.
"After many years in which I have had the privilege of living as a professional cyclist, the time has come to close this beautiful chapter at the end of the season," wrote Declercq on his Instagram.
"Cycling has given me more than I could have imagined - unforgettable memories, incredible highs and lows, and friendships that will last a lifetime. I'm proud of my journey, grateful for every moment, and I'm looking forward to what's to come," concludes Declercq, who holds a fresh Master's degree in Physical Education and Physiotherapy.
Declercq's career highlight would probably be an under-23 Belgian title from 2011. Not only due to its prestige, but also because it opened Declercq doors to the professional world. After five years at Flanders - Baloise, he was picked up by Soudal - Quick-Step where he spent the best years of his career as an important cornerstone of Wolfpack's Classics success. In 2024, he made a switch to Lidl-Trek where his career will conclude at the end of this season.
Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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