Former junior European cyclocross champion Vincent Baestaens puts an end to his professional career

Vincent Baestaens is in his last months in the field. The now 34-year-old Belgian, who rides for one-man team SPITS CX TEAM, has announced his retirement on Instagram.

"I have mixed feelings at the start of 2024. My last two months as a professional cyclo-cross rider are coming up. I am happy with my decision to say goodbye to professional cycling. I am very grateful for all the opportunities and the kind people I have met all over the world. And it is certainly not a farewell to this beautiful sport! Let's enjoy the last races first."

Baestaens was known as a great talent during his times as junior and U23. As a junior, he made waves for the first time in 2006 by becoming the European champion ahead of Joeri Adams and Ramon Sinkeldam. In the U23 category, he became Belgian champion again in 2009 and won the World Cups in Aigle, Koksijde and Kalmthout.