José Joaquín Rojas announces retirement from cycling after a career spanning almost two decades

Another Movistar Team classic has announced his retirement from professional cycling. After the farewell of Imanol Erviti comes that of José Joaquín Rojas, who leaves after almost two decades as a professional and great triumphs to his credit, such as the two Spanish championships he won or his victories in stages of the Itzulia or the Volta a Catalunya.

He was third five times in stages of the Tour de France and came close to a green jersey. He was a great sprinter in his beginnings and knew how to become a domestique in the last years of his career.

FAREWELL MESSAGE:

"It wasn't the way I had thought of leaving the bike, but sometimes things happen like that and I can't complain, far from it. It's been 18 years since I made the jump to professionalism, 18 years since my dream came true. I have grown up since I was a child watching my brother Mariano being a cyclist and I have been very fortunate to be able to dedicate myself to what I liked the most.

It was never an easy road, many falls, many injuries, family problems. Especially the loss in recent years of my sister and my father, two of the most important people in my life, but this goes on. This has been an adventure from which I take many friends, many memories, stories, I take it all in my heart. I want to thank all the people who have supported me along the way.

I want to thank all the sponsors, Movistar Team, Manolo Sainz who gave me the opportunity, Eusebio Unzué who for 17 years I have been riding side by side with him and, of course, my partner and my son, two fundamental pillars, vital these last years. Cycling will always be part of my life".