17/10/2024

Multiple grand tour stage winner enjoying his retirement: “I am proud of what I achieved”

Thomas De Gendt, the Belgian rider known for his aggressive racing style and mountain prowess, has officially retired at the age of 37. Most recently racing for Lotto-Dstny, De Gendt leaves behind an impressive legacy that includes five Grand Tour stage victories, a win in the mountains classification at the 2018 Vuelta, and a podium finish at the 2012 Giro d’Italia.

De Gendt’s final race was the 2024 Vuelta a España, bringing an end to a career filled with memorable breakaways and daring victories. Reflecting on his decision to retire, De Gendt spoke to Het Laatste Nieuws at the Crystal Bicycle gala, admitting that the reality of his retirement has yet to fully set in.

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"For now it still feels like a kind of winter break, I don't think it will really start to sink in until the new season starts," he said. Despite this, he takes pride in his accomplishments. "Do I look back often? I am proud of what I have achieved, yes. And I am also very happy that I was able to decide for myself when I would stop. Many riders do not have that opportunity."

Among his many victories, De Gendt holds a special place for his 2012 Giro d'Italia win on the Stelvio, a grueling mountain stage that helped solidify his reputation as one of cycling's most fearless riders. “There aren't many finishes there. There may have been better victories in terms of scenarios, but for me the Stelvio stage stands out,” De Gendt said, reminiscing about the achievement.

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He also noted his famous 2016 Tour de France victory on Mont Ventoux, a stage that remains etched in cycling fans’ memories, in part due to the chaotic scene where Chris Froome was forced to run up the mountain after a crash. “The Tour victory on the Mont Ventoux is also memorable of course. The fact that everyone associates that stage with Chris Froome's jogging session makes no difference to me.”

As De Gendt steps away from professional cycling, his achievements across the sport’s toughest races will be remembered for their audacity, grit, and brilliance. His retirement marks the end of an era for one of Belgium’s most celebrated modern cyclists.