Roelandts took his first professional victory in 2008 and it was immediately a great one: he became Belgian champion. He drove for the Lotto team for years, but made a switch to BMC in 2018. A year later he went to Movistar and his adventure as a rider now ends there.
He explains his choice in a letter on Twitter. “This was a difficult decision because cycling has always been a huge part of my life. I started at the age of 12, so I have been a cyclist for 24 years. But due to the circumstances and all kinds of injuries I can no longer race in the race. level that I would like to reach. I know that I could still compete at WorldTour level, but training and racing every day with pain is incredibly hard. Both physically and mentally. “
Roelandts is also currently recovering from a fall in the BinckBank Tour. As a result, a goodbye on the bike is no longer possible.
“I am proud of my career”, he still writes. “I have driven for fantastic teams and participated in the biggest competitions. I have worn the Belgian tricolor and I have stood on the podium in beautiful classics such as the Tour of Flanders and Milan-Sanremo. Also on my 5th place at the World Cup and I am proud of my 10th place in the Olympic Games. “
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