"The Vuelta will be my last race as a professional cyclist. I am very proud of what I have done but being very stubborn I would have liked to do so much more. But one thing is certain: I gave my all, right down to the last drop of sweat and I will give it in the next three weeks. Now the time has come to enjoy a new chapter of my life, next to my family. For the thanks there will be time in the next few days, but a special thanks goes to those who have allowed me with great sacrifices to become what they are ".
With this post on Instagram, posted together with a photo of him on a mountain bike, Fabio Aru, 31, announces his retirement from competitive activity, which will take place at the end of the Vuelta. "I would like to say many, many things right now - writes Aru - but I prefer to enjoy every single emotion of what closes such an important chapter in my life.
With the passing of days and time I will have the opportunity to tell all those who have been the best and worst moments of my professional sports career. I reflected for a long time on what was the right decision to make, sleepless nights, crying and so on. "
In his career, Aru won the Vuelta in 2015 and the Italian championship in 2017. He also achieved stage victories in all three major rounds of the international cycling calendar: Giro, Tour and, precisely, Vuelta. At the Rio 2016 Olympics he closed the road race in sixth place.
