"It has been a wonderful adventure" - Dries Devenyns to retire at the end of the season

Currently riding the 14th Grand Tour of his career at the Tour de France, 39-year-old Soudal - Quick-Step rider Dries Devenyns has announced his imminent retirement from professional cycling.

Taking to his official Instagram account, the Belgian former Baloise Belgium Tour winner made an emotional statement. "Today I want to announce that I will be retiring from professional cycling at the end of this season," he says. "I rolled into the sport of cycling at the age of 15. In the beginning, I didn’t take it too seriously and I rode for fun, though going to local kermesse races, together with my parents and brothers, sparked something inside of me."

"After graduating from my studies at Ghent University, I took the opportunity to join the pro peloton, and since then I have enjoyed a 17 year long career at the highest level. I got to ride for some beautiful teams, but my time at the IAM Cycling team and especially the many years at the famous Soudal Quick-Step team, have been unforgettable."

"I crossed the finish line in first, with my hands in the air, only a few times, but mainly got down to work for others, and helping some of the world’s best cyclists. Seeing them win the biggest races in the sport, and being part of the team’s achievements, has been a dream come true."

"I have so many people to thank, that I am afraid I may forget someone. But I have to start with my parents and brothers and my friends for their unconditional support. To my wife, Nathalie and my children, I am forever grateful. Being a professional cyclist and spending so much time away from home is not only hard for us, but also for our families, and I cannot thank you enough for your love and understanding."

"And then on to Patrick of course, team mates, all the mechanics, soigneurs, communications team, doctors and team staff that I have worked with over the years, and to everybody else that has supported me: Thanks for everything," Devenyns concludes. "It has been a wonderful adventure."