Urán in emotional farewell message: "I was shaped here as cyclist and person"

After December 31, Rigoberto Urán will no longer be a cyclist. The Colombian is saying goodbye to cycling after nineteen years. In a farewell message, the 37-year-old climber says goodbye to the sport and his team EF Education - EasyPost, for which he raced for the last eight years.

Earlier, we said goodbye to my popular and beloved Colombian. On Sunday night, Urán created an equally beautiful farewell message for his team. "Today has been a day full of emotions that are hard to put into words. After eight years with the EF team, the time has come to say goodbye to this outfit that means so much to me. This team was not only my athletic home; it was a family that, from day one, took me in like a son, the son of Urrao, and helped me develop in all areas of my life. Here, I was shaped not only as a cyclist but also as a human being, and I will always be grateful to my team," writes Urán. 

Text continues below photo

Thousands of fans came to Urán's farewell in Colombia

"Rigo, everyone's friend, will always be there for you"

"I take with me memories that I will cherish deep in my heart: the thousand battles, the epic races, the tears, the blows, the joys, the endless journeys, the victories and defeats that made us all stronger. But above all, I take the people with me: my teammates, friends, and family on the road. You were the ones who made sure every kilometer was worth it. Today, I put down this jersey and this chapter, but Rigo, everyone's friend, will always be there for you. Here, you will always have a friend," reads the emotional message from the beloved rider.

Furthermore, he also has many nice words to say to his fans. "You were the energy in the toughest moments, the applause on the highest peaks, and the strength that surged through my legs with every pedal stroke. Without you, none of this would have been possible."

Text continues below photo

Uran

For Urán, however, it is not a goodbye but a 'see you later' 

Urán sounds very grateful for his team, fans, and the sport in the message. "Cycling has given me everything: it taught me to persevere, fight, dream, fall, and get back up. Now, I close this chapter with the satisfaction of having given everything and the excitement of a new challenge: to be the father my children deserve. I'm ready for that race with Michelle, perhaps the most essential part of my life."

Urán closes with a vision of the future in which the bike is certainly still part of it. "This is not a goodbye, but a 'see you later'. The bike will always be part of my life, but now, a new phase begins, and I will face it with the same enthusiasm and passion that brought me to every starting line. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Everyone's friend: Rigo."

Read also

Visma's biomechanist gave Jorgenson a reality check: "Like this you're one of the least efficient in the peloton"

Steven de Jongh doesn't want anything to do with UCI's anti-earpiece plans: "Earpieces have already saved lives"

17-year-old Muys spent two kilometers clinging to Pogacar’s wheel during record attempt: "His team directors gave me pat on the back"

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get every week the latest news about CYCLING in your inbox!

Subscribe