Juanjo Lobato says goodbye to professional cycling after 13 years in the elite

Juan José Lobato has ended his professional career after 13 years as a cyclist in which he has gone through ups and downs. These last seasons he has signed with the team of his life, Euskaltel-Euskadi.

Born in Trebujena, province of Cádiz, Lobato began his professional career in Andalucía-Caja Sur, where he competed 3 years and won victories that made him make the jump to the WorldTour to ride with Euskaltel-Euskadi. After a great year in the Basque team in which he managed to wear the jersey of the mountain of the Tour de France, he spent 3 seasons in Movistar Team performing at a high level and achieving victories in the Vuelta a Andalucía, Wallonia, Dubai, Burgos, Tour Down Under or Vuelta a Madrid.

Wanting to get closer to the classics, he decided to leave the Movistar team to go to the then LottoNL-Jumbo (Jumbo-Visma today), where he was expelled for taking a sleeping pill when he was going through a very bad personal moment. The Dutch were awful to him and Nippo Vini Fantini reached out to him. He raced in Italy for 2 years (scoring a great victory in the Sabatini Cup) and the last 4 seasons of his career have been with Euskaltel Euskadi. He got his last victory last year in the Colta ao Alentejo.

Undoubtedly, the event with the sleeping pill with Jumbo conditioned a career that could have been much better in terms of results. Even so, the rider from Cadiz has to be proud of everything he has done in the world of cycling. He leaves with 15 wins as a professional, something that not many cyclists can say when they retire;

FAREWELL LETTER FROM JUANJO LOBATO:.

Hello everyone, the day has come for me to say goodbye as a professional cyclist. Early? For me, and I say this with all my heart, it has been the best 13 years of my life. Who was going to tell me when I started riding my bike on that magnificent Grajales Street. As a professional cyclist I would not change anything of what I have had to live and do. A famous singer once said: "I'm not proud of my past, but I'm not ashamed either, because all my falls, all my slips, all my joys, all my happiness, are what have made me the warrior I am today...". And I want to thank each and every one of the teams I've been on these 13 years.

The one that gave me the opportunity in 2010, the Andalucía Cajasur. On board, Antonio Caballo. Then I went to the team of my life, Euskaltel-Euskadi. It didn't last long, but we knew it couldn't end like that... Then Movistar Team, where I spent the best years of my career. Team LottoNL-Jumbo. Grateful for the friends I left behind. Nippo Vini-Fanitini and, especially, its manager Pelosi, who helped me more than once and when, without a doubt, I needed it the most. I am always grateful. And finally, to my Euskaltel-Euskadi. Second version and where I have always considered my home. From Txus and Azanza to all the teammates I have had.

Obviously to my entire family: my sister Inma, uncles and aunts... but I especially want to mention 3 people who are everything to me and, without them, I could not have been the person I am today. My parents Jose and Juani and my son Jose. Thank you very much, old people. Thank you, from your son. To my wife Judit. You arrived at the most difficult moment of my life. And you endured like what you are, a champion. And doubly happy for the best we have, our Inna. Outside cycling I met 2 unconditional people for whom I feel true admiration: Carmen and Raspo. Year after year you have shown me that you are my other family. And I could not say goodbye without thanking cycling.

Without cycling I could not have had partners and friends for life. The list is immense, but my partner, José Joaquín Rojas, tops the list. You are my other hand, my confidant, my brother. Thank you Juaki for being who you are. And I can't leave without mentioning my adpotive child. Juanpe Lopez. He is from Lebrija and he is my son in cycling. Thank you very much to all the people: directors, masseurs and mechanics for what you have done for me. I will be eternally grateful to you. And finally, it is my people who deserve these last words. I am from Trebujena and throughout my career I have tried to make my town feel half as proud as I feel about it. Thank you very much Trebujena. I will always carry you in my heart. Sincerely, your neighbor, Juanjo Lobato.