"So this is it…." - Jens Keukeleire brings an end to professional cycling career

EF Education-EasyPost's Jens Keukeleire has officially announced the conclusion of professional cycling career at the age of 34 after fourteen years in the peloton.

"So this is it…." the former Vuelta a Espana stage winner announced in a post on his official Instagram account. "Finished the first stage of my last race. Not sure yet what the future will bring, but I can say for sure that the past was amazing."

First coming through at Cofidis, Keukeleire made the breakthrough to World Tour level in 2012 at Orica GreenEDGE. "What started with a short bike ride with Jeroen Laleman at the age of 15, will come to an end this year. It has truly been a great ride," he recalls. "A have had the pleasure to ride on the highest level for 14 years, and travel all across the world, doing what I love."

Keukeleire took a total of 11 wins in his career, including the aforementioned Vuelta stage, two GC victories at the Baloise Belgium Tour and the Belgian was second at Gent Wevelgem in 2017. "Thanks to everybody that helped me trough out my career. Too many to sum up, but of course, special thanks to my wifey for lifey Sheena Maesen We walked this path together, from start to finish. Without your help and support, this would not have been possible," he concludes. "Also thanks to mom and dad for all the support, and to make some love somewhere in march, 1988."