Peter Sagan feels "sadness, nostalgia, but also pride and joy" as his professional career comes to an end

Peter Sagan's cycling career is definitely over. In the shadow of the Tour de France, the three-time world champion rode his last competitive kilometers in the Pierre Baguette jersey on Sunday in his home race, the Tour of Slovakia. In an emotional message on social media, Sagan bids farewell.

"Crossing the finish line today at the Tour of Slovakia was a moment of mixed emotions: sadness, nostalgia, but also pride and joy," Sagan said after Sunday’s final stage. "It’s a bittersweet feeling to say goodbye to this chapter of my professional career, but I couldn’t have wished for a better place than here. In my home country and in my home race."

"I still remember my first stage in the Tour Down Under on January 19, 2010. I was just a young boy, not even 20, and I could never have imagined that I would have such a long and successful career in this sport. It has been a long road, with ups and downs. And ending my career at the Tour of Slovakia, surrounded by the support and love of my countrymen, is a memory I will cherish forever."

"Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. Your support has been my driving force and I am so grateful for every bit of encouragement. Without you, I would never have gotten this far," Sagan said.