"I'm just trying to maintain the same level" - Alexander Kristoff voices lack of progress at the brink of his career

97 professional victories shine next to the name of Alexander Kristoff. For a while there has been a certain degree of uncertainty about whether the 37-year-old Norwegian would truly hanf up his bicycle at the end of this season, but the Uno-X Mobility leader already seems to be decided - regardless of whether he reaches the magical 100th victory, or not.

"I'm done. I have no offer or contract next year," Kristoff tells Dagbladet. "Then it must have been a very good offer. I feel pretty done. I'm starting to get fed up, and it's not getting any better either. It was more motivating when I was younger, and then I got a little bit better. Now I'm just trying to maintain the same level as last year, and that's how it's been for a few years. There's no development," he explains.

"It's not as rewarding. Now I've been in the same industry since I was nine. It's nice to do something new. I think that applies to most jobs. I think about it when I'm out cycling: 'Yes, yes, I'm here again.' You only have one life, and I want to do other things in life."

"I think it will go quite well," he says about giving farewell to peloton. "It will be a relief not to have to worry about weather, wind, overturns and crashes. I'm looking forward to having fewer worries," Kristoff answers.

Will there be anything he'll miss from the life of professional cyclist? "It can be a bit sad not to be part of a team and the group of guys you go on races and training with after your career. But I always have the opportunity to join in on some training in the future too, as long as I keep up a little bit of my level."

Kristoff will thus have more time to get involved with his family - wife and four sons. "The kids are starting to grow up. They need follow-up at home. There are quite a few logistics that don't always work out. I can feel that," he admits.