"I was everywhere at once"; brilliant plan momentarily distracted Gesink before final race

The Spanish broadcast may not have fully grasped it on Sunday, but Robert Gesink’s career has truly come to an end. He, who kept Dutch cycling fans on the edge of their seats all summer and was crucial in building Jumbo-Visma, rode his final competitive kilometers in Madrid at the age of 38. A report from the Spanish capital!

On Gran Via, mother Ria Gesink and a few close family members are waiting for the Dutchman. The journalists know that Brandon McNulty, the winner of the opening time trial, started before him, and we need to be alert from the moment the American champion crosses the line.

However, the stars and stripes are nowhere to be seen when a man in yellow crosses the finish line: Gesink. Only a small portion of the Spanish crowd realizes that someone who has been a professional cyclist for 17 years has just completed his final meters, and the occasional chant of "Gezzzink" is heard. But that’s what makes it so special.

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Upon arrival, Gesink looks around a bit bewildered before his mother is the first to approach him. “That’s it,” the cyclist exclaims, and shortly after adds another one-liner, “I’m glad it’s over.” Two statements from the Achterhoeker, now living in Andorra, that could easily be put on a plaque.

After the initial hugs, the Visma | Lease a Bike rider answers questions from both Spanish and Dutch-speaking journalists. “It was the worst time trial of my life,” Gesink laughs. “I knew it didn’t matter anymore, but you still want to get to the finish quickly. By the way, I did overtake Brandon! The winner of the first stage, I think they must have paid him to ride badly.” (laughs)

“A time trial requires concentration, but I was everywhere at once,” he explains, partly due to his children. “They had the brilliant idea to have my kids handle the radio, so it was constantly: ‘Go, Daddy, Daddy, go, good corner Daddy, come on, Daddy!’” he laughs. “That’s not good for focus, haha. I did the reconnaissance, but I had no idea about those corners anymore. In that respect, it was a major disaster.”

Upon arrival, Gesink looks around a bit dazed, and his mother is the first to approach him. “That’s it,” the cyclist says, before adding another line shortly after, “I’m glad it’s over.” Two comments from the Achterhoeker, now living in Andorra, that could easily be framed on a plaque.

After the initial hugs, the Visma | Lease a Bike rider answers questions from Spanish and Dutch-speaking journalists. “It was the worst time trial of my life,” Gesink laughs. “I knew it didn’t matter anymore, but you still want to get to the finish quickly. By the way, I did overtake Brandon! The winner of the first stage—I think they must have paid him to ride badly.” (laughs)

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Gesink proud of the transformation he has undergone

And now? Back to the Achterhoek? No, Gesink has, in part, sold his heart to Andorra, where he plans to embrace the good life once again. "Of course, I had known for some time that this would be my last year as a professional. This allowed me to savor every last moment. The last training camp, the last Grand Tour. It feels like the perfect time to stop, as I was really pushing myself at times."

"In the beginning of my career, pursuing achievements was my guiding principle. Eventually, I evolved into a team player. That transformation makes me very proud. I’ve achieved some beautiful victories, secured impressive placements, and in the autumn of my career, I’ve won four Grand Tours with the team. Now, I’m going to enjoy my family, free time, and cycling in nature, and continue with the healthy lifestyle I’ve always maintained. It has been a wonderful career that I wouldn’t have traded for anything."

Amen to that, as interviews are replaced by hugs from his wife and children, who are dubbed 'little coaches' for the occasion. Farewell and all the best, Robert!