Professional cycling is preparing to say goodbye to some familiar faces in 2026. After years of thrilling victories, unforgettable Grand Tour performances and countless sacrifices on the road, several experienced riders are preparing to end their professional careers.
Among the names featured in this farewell generation are Colombian climbing star Nairo Quintana, two-time world champion Julian Alaphilippe, Dutch veteran Bauke Mollema and Spanish road racing specialist Pello Bilbao.
Each rider has contributed something special to the sport, whether through individual victories, support for teammates or memorable performances in cycling’s biggest races.
Here is a closer look at the 10 riders featured in the image and what made their careers special.
1. Bauke Mollema
Bauke Mollema has enjoyed a long and successful career, establishing himself as one of the Netherlands’ most respected professional cyclists. His greatest achievements include winning the 2019 Il Lombardia, one of cycling’s prestigious Monuments, and claiming stage victories at the Tour de France.
Known for his climbing ability, attacking instincts and experience in major one-day races, Mollema has been a valuable member of Lidl-Trek. His retirement marks the end of an impressive chapter in Dutch professional cycling.
2. Nairo Quintana
Nairo Quintana is one of Colombia’s most celebrated cycling heroes. Renowned for his climbing ability, he won the Giro d’Italia in 2014 and the Vuelta a España in 2016, while finishing on the Tour de France podium twice.
Quintana became a symbol of Colombia’s remarkable contribution to international cycling. His performances in the mountains made him a serious Grand Tour contender for many years, earning him supporters around the world.
His departure represents a significant moment for Colombian cycling and the generation of climbers who helped bring South American talent to the forefront of the sport.
3. Julian Alaphilippe
Julian Alaphilippe has been one of the most entertaining and recognisable riders of his generation. The Frenchman won the UCI Road World Championships in 2020 and 2021, securing consecutive rainbow jerseys.
He also claimed major victories at prestigious races, including Milan-San Remo and Strade Bianche, and became a fan favourite through his aggressive riding style and willingness to attack.
Alaphilippe’s ability to animate races made him particularly popular with cycling fans. His retirement brings an end to the professional career of a rider whose courage and attacking spirit helped define an era of modern road racing.
4. Steven Kruijswijk
Steven Kruijswijk built his reputation as a dependable Grand Tour specialist and one of the most experienced riders in the Dutch peloton.
His standout achievement came at the 2016 Giro d’Italia, where he wore the race leader’s pink jersey before eventually finishing fourth. He later finished third overall at the 2019 Tour de France, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level.
Kruijswijk also played an important supporting role for Team Visma | Lease a Bike, helping the team pursue its Grand Tour ambitions. His consistency, climbing strength and tactical experience made him a respected figure in the professional peloton.
5. Damiano Caruso
Italian rider Damiano Caruso established himself as a dependable stage-race contender and an accomplished Grand Tour competitor.
His finest Grand Tour result came at the 2021 Giro d’Italia, where he finished second overall behind Egan Bernal. He also won a stage during that race, producing one of the most memorable performances of his career.
Caruso’s strength in the mountains and ability to deliver consistent results made him an important rider for Bahrain Victorious. Beyond his own achievements, he was valued for his experience and contributions to his teammates.
6. Magnus Cort
Magnus Cort has been one of Denmark’s most recognisable road cyclists, celebrated for his versatility and ability to win from breakaways.
The Dane has collected stage victories at all three Grand Tours: the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España. His attacking style, distinctive moustache and enthusiastic celebrations made him a popular personality among fans.
Cort’s ability to seize opportunities from long-range attacks ensured that he remained a threat on varied terrain. His retirement will be felt by supporters who have enjoyed his entertaining performances throughout his career.
7. Bob Jungels
Luxembourg’s Bob Jungels has enjoyed success in both stage races and prestigious one-day events.
One of his most significant achievements was winning Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2018, a victory that established him among the leading riders in the Classics. He also won a stage of the Tour de France in 2022, adding another major achievement to his record.
Jungels has demonstrated versatility throughout his career, combining time-trialling ability, climbing strength and tactical intelligence. His experience has made him a valuable presence in professional teams, and his departure closes another chapter in Luxembourg’s cycling history.
8. Alexey Lutsenko
Alexey Lutsenko has been one of Kazakhstan’s leading professional cyclists for more than a decade.
He became the under-23 road race world champion in 2012 and went on to win numerous professional races, including the Tour of Oman and the 2021 edition of the Clásica Jaén. He also claimed a stage victory at the Tour de France in 2023.
Lutsenko’s strength across different types of terrain and his ability to compete in stage races made him a prominent figure in Central Asian cycling. His career has helped maintain Kazakhstan’s presence in the international peloton.
9. Pello Bilbao
Pello Bilbao has earned a reputation as a consistent Grand Tour performer and a strong climber capable of challenging the world’s best riders.
The Spanish cyclist claimed stage victories at the Giro d’Italia and finished fifth overall at the 2023 Tour de France, one of the strongest Grand Tour performances of his career.
Riding for Bahrain Victorious, Bilbao has combined personal ambition with valuable teamwork, contributing to the team’s success in major races. His consistency and determination have made him a respected competitor in the professional peloton.
10. Ion Izagirre
Ion Izagirre has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning stage races, one-day events and the Grand Tours.
The Spanish rider has won stages at all three Grand Tours, including memorable victories at the Tour de France in 2016 and 2023. He also won the 2019 Tour of the Basque Country, demonstrating his ability to excel in demanding stage races.
Izagirre’s climbing, time-trialling and tactical awareness made him a versatile competitor. His career has also highlighted the strength of Basque cycling, a region with a deep-rooted passion for the sport.
A Lasting Legacy in Professional Cycling
The retirement of these 10 riders represents more than a change in team rosters. It marks the end of careers shaped by years of training, sacrifice, competition and unforgettable moments on the road.
From Quintana’s Grand Tour triumphs to Alaphilippe’s world championship victories, Mollema’s Monument success and Cort’s spectacular stage wins, each rider has left a distinctive mark on professional cycling.
Their departures also create opportunities for younger riders to step forward and establish themselves among the sport’s leading names.
As the 2026 season draws to a close, cycling fans will have plenty of reasons to celebrate the achievements of these veterans and reflect on the memories they have created.
One thing is certain: although these riders may leave the professional peloton, their contributions to cycling will not be forgotten.
