Annemiek Van Vleuten ends legendary career

Farewell to a cycling legend, to a great cyclist this past Sunday in his country, to Simac Ladies Tour, she got off the bike permanently at the age of 40. Now that there’s so much talk about the boom in women’s cycling, the peloton was somewhat bereaved by the farewell of one of the greatest runners of all time, which Spanish fans also had the chance to enjoy up close through the race for the last time. three years in Movistar team.

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On a very special and emotional day for the Dutch woman, Van Vleuten She started the day by giving the world champion jersey to her team mates who compete with her today in the Simac Ladies Tour, receiving the warmth and recognition of her rivals and a fan who encouraged her all the time, such as a banner placed on the stage route where one can read “Van Vleuten, you are unique and this is your last climb”, welcoming the finish line in Arnhem a tribute to the height of one of the greatest cyclists of all time.

A great resume

Since his debut in 2008 with Vrienden van het Plattelandthe Dutchwoman competed for 17 seasons, during which she became Olympic time trial champion (2020), world time trial champion twice (2017 and 2018), twice on the road (2019 and 2022) and once European champion (2020 ).

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In his 17 seasons he achieved 104 wins, always a brave, aggressive and respectful rider to his rivals, having four Giros d’Italia (2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023), a Tour de France (2022 ) and three Tours (2021). , 2022 and 2023), sporting victories to which we must add, among others, two Liège-Bastogne-Liège, two Strade Bianche or two Tours of Flanders.

A cyclist left who marked an era and rarely lost the smile on his face. An example to follow for new generations looking for references to hold onto. Thank you, Annemiek.