Nibali's premier domestique Tanel Kangert says goodbye to pro peloton at Il Lombardia - Duo won three Grand Tours together
Cycling
Il Lombardia is being marked by the retirement of two incredibly successful and influential pro cyclists: Vincenzo Nibali and Alejandro Valverde. However, more riders within the peloton are riding for the last time in the peloton this afternoon, including Tanel Kangert.
Riding for Team BikeExchange - Jayco, the veteran isn't expected to feature in the race heavily, but is saying goodbye to the peloton at the Italian monument. He's retiring alongside Vincenzo Nibali, perhaps the most important figure in his career, with Kangert playing a crucial support role for the Italian on his Grand Tour wins at all of his wins at Astana - 2014 Tour de France; 2013 and 2016 Giro d'Italia.
The 35-year old has been a reliable and very valuable domestique throughout his career, specially in the mountainous terrain where he specializes. Alongside, he's taken 11 pro wins including 5 national championship titles, and wins at the Tour de Suisse, Abu Dhabi Tour and the Giro del Trentino - now names Tour of the Alps. Throughout his last years on the road he's supported the likes of Simon Yates at the Australian squad.
The Estonian shared a message on Instagram, which concluded with: "Thankful for all the people I have met and races I have done. But one thing I can already say - I will never get enough of coffee stops. For many more to come."
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