Veteran of professional peloton confirms 2025 will be his last season: "I arrive at this turning point with a smile"

2025 will be the last season in a long career of home favourite Alessandro De Marchi. After 15 seasons at the highest level of cycling, the 38-year-old will hang up his bicycle in the jersey of Jayco AlUla.

"I have decided that the 2025 cycling season will be my last as a professional cyclist," De Marchi said in a video posted via Jayco AlUla's social channels. "I arrive at this turning point with only happy memories and a smile, even though this type of decision is never easy. I have achieved so much in both my life and my career, obviously with some regrets, but I want to listen to my heart and it is time to change."

"Those who know me have probably seen this coming, but let's begin from the start," he said. "First, I would like to read you something: 'Sometimes change is not suffered, it is desired. It is a push that comes from within, that wants to be recognised, and above all to be listened to.' This is a phrase I came across in a book, and by no coincidence it sums up perfectly the process that I have been going through these last months."

Though the remaining races will now mark an ending, the Italian vowed to take on the rest of the season with the same drive and enthusiasm as ever.

"I dived into this season with the same spirit as the first, 15 years ago. Nothing has changed and I'm ready to do what I've always done: give 100%. What is for sure is that I'm going to fully enjoy the last moments of my career," he said. "What I ask you is to cheer a little bit more than usual, and of course I'll see you on the road."

Alessandro De Marchi turned professional with late Gianni Savio's Androni Giocattoli in 2011 and although his career was bound with racing on Italian roads, his greatest success came abroad. The 38-year-old can look back with pride at three Vuelta a Espana stage triumphs (2014, 2015 and 2018) while his wish of a victory at his home Grand Tour was never granted though De Marchi came close on several occasions.