Two World Tour veterans announce retirement on Giro d'Italia rest day

It is a tradition that during the rest days of Grand Tours there are riders announcing their retirement from the sport and that is no exception during this Giro d'Italia. Jonathan Castroviejo and Simon Clarke, who have multiple Grand Tour victories amongst them, have revealed the dates in which they'll end their careers.

"I want share with you a resolution that I made some time ago. I believe the end of the season is the right moment for me to stop racing as a professional cyclist," Castroviejo said in a post shared on social media. "After years of commitment, effort and passion on the bike, it's the moment to bring this important chapter of my life to a close and open new ones. These years at the top level of the sport wouldn't have been feasible without the continued support of my wife and children, and also from my parents".

Castroviejo, a now reliable and experienced domestique for INEOS Grenadiers from way back in 2018, is one of the rider that has been most often seen in Grand Tours, often working for his team. This Giro is his 20th, and whilst he's never managed to win a stage in one of the Grand Tours he has finished second at least once in every one of them. Over the course of his career however, the 38-year old did become Spanish time-trial national champion a total of six times, and in 2016 he was European Champion in the discipline.

"They have helped me in every pedal stroke, in every injury, in every success. I want to thank my friends, who were always present and ready to hold my back, and also my teams, that gave me a chance to grow, race and make dreams become true. Cycling has given me everything: learnings, friendships, challenges and memories that I will forever carry in my heart - a heart full of gratitude. Thanks for your company in this new phase of my life."

Joining him is Israel - Premier Tech's Simon Clarke. "After 17 unforgettable seasons in the pro peloton, I would like to announce my retirement from professional cycling," Clarke shared. "It's hard to put into words what this sport has meant to me. I left Australia at just 16 years old with a dream to make it in Europe as a cyclist. I had no guarantees, just a deep love for the sport and a determination to chase something bigger. That decision changed my life".

"Over the years, I've had the privilege of racing on the world's biggest stages, standing on podiums, supporting teammates, and being part of some truly special moments in the sport. I'm incredibly proud of what I've achieved. Not just the results, but the relationships, experiences, and lessons along the way".

Clarke, now 38, began his pro career in 2006 but perhaps his biggest success came in the latter part of his career. Winner of the Herald Sun Tour, two stages and a KOM jersey at the Vuelta a España, but it was in 2022 that he won a stage at the Tour de France, winning from a breakaway on a day where the peloton went through the cobbled roads of northern France. He will race for the last time at next year's Australian calendar.

"In 2011, I met my wonderful wife, a moment that has defined my life even more than any race. Together, we now have two amazing children, and as I look ahead, I'm excited for more time with them and for whatever the next chapter brings."

"Cycling has given me so much, and I'll always be grateful for the journey. There's no better way to close this chapter than racing at home, in front of family, friends, and Aussie fans who've supported me from the very beginning so I'm excited to share that my final races as a professional will be the Tour Down Under and Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race next January with IPT."