“Why Am I Stopping Right Now?” – 31-Year-Old Belgian Dutch Cyclist on Bidding Silent Farewell to His Professional Cycling Career Marking the End of an Era

In the world of professional cycling, the culmination of a career often comes with farewells and grand celebrations, however, David van der Poel has been a stark contrast in this case. Poel took a low-key exit from his professional career at the tender age of 31 after completing his last race in Belgium.

Poel, the elder brother of the famous Van der Poels has taken retirement after the Sluitingsprijs Putte-Kapellen. Let us trace Van der Poel’s inspiring journey till retirement.   

The end of the contract leads Van der Poel to ride his last race

It was not an impulsive decision that Van der Poel made but was rather made after careful consideration. As reported in the Cycling Magazine, he enquires “Why am I stopping right now?” and continues to answer himself. Since he was nearing the end of the contract, he consulted with his team about his journey so far. The result of this discussion bore different perspectives that encouraged Van der Poel to put an end to his professional journey.

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Even in the last race, on Tuesday, he fought to give his best. In the exhaustive 149.5 km one-day race, Van der Poel clenched the second place as Coen Vermeltfoot of VolkerWheels Cycling Team grabbed the winner position. Even though in the field of sports it is a common sight for the athletes to receive grand farewells. However, Van der Poel, a cyclist opted for an underrated event devoid of any grandeur and splendor. 

In a statement made to Cycling Magazine, Van der Poel said, “That’s not how I am or what I want. I don’t want too much fanfare around my farewell. The people around me already knew, of course, but otherwise, I tried to think about it as little as possible,” 

Van der Poel overcame physical impediments to exhibit his prowess in the sport

Much before this retirement, Van der Poel had decided to bid farewell from his cyclocross racing career since he was crippled by excruciating back pain. However, he has confirmed that this time his decision has nothing to do with any previous determination encouraging him to take retirement from professional cycling. 

Commencing in 2011, Van der Poel bears a significant career record that spans over a long period. This prolonged journey has been adorned with prestigious victories and notable successes. In his winning cap, Van der Poel proudly bears the feathers of accomplishments from prestigious events including the Czech Toi Toi Cup and Swiss EKZ Cross Tour. 

Even though impeded by back issues that persisted over these years, he went on to an extensive extent implementing his strategies and professional skills to take the Dutch title in the junior category under his possession. 

Riding for more than a decade, even though Van der Poel’s retirement marks the conclusion of his significant cycling career, he has gifted the cycling community with extraordinary wins. Departing silently serves as a reminder of Van der Poel’s respect towards the sport rather than the fame he has garnered over the years. 

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