Elia Viviani beautifully concluded his career at the highest level in cycling at the Track Cycling World Championships in Santiago, Chile. The 36-year-old Italian claimed the world title in the elimination race on the final day. Afterwards, he chose the most beautiful achievement from his rich career: "That is something that proved impossible to repeat," he explained his choice.
"I was incredibly nervous before this elimination race, as if it was my very first race," Viviani admitted honestly despite all his experience. "That didn’t give me much confidence beforehand, but after the first few pedal strokes I felt okay and only had to focus on the race."
Thank-You Lap
“This is a wonderful way to end my career, with the rainbow jersey. This is truly what I wanted and I have to thank the Italian federation for that. They gave me the chance to do it again.”
“And I want to thank all the fans here, because it was a very special moment for me. Chile will remain in my heart for a long time,” Viviani continued his thank-you lap.
Most Beautiful Achievement?
It is not quite the final end yet – the winner of at least one stage in all three Grand Tours is still heading to the Six Days of Ghent (November 18-23) – but naturally, the Italian was asked about the highlight of his rich career.
The podium at the Elimination Race World Championships - photo: fotopersburo Cor Vos
“I don’t think I could have asked more from myself than I have done. As an athlete, you often look back and think: I could have done this or that better, but I have won a lot both on the track and the road,” he reflected proudly.
“If I have to pick one moment, it is the Olympic medal in Rio. To reach that level is something incredible. That’s something that proved impossible to repeat.” Viviani won bronze in the omnium at the 2021 Olympic Games, took silver in the Madison in Paris 2024, but earned his only Olympic gold medal in Rio 2016.
“I have to thank everyone in the cycling world for what they have given me. Now it will be a nice period to enjoy a bit after 16 years at the limit,” Viviani concluded.
Road Cycling
5x stage wins in Giro d’Italia
3x stage wins in Vuelta a España
1x stage win in Tour de France
1x gold European Championship (2019)
1x silver European Championship (2017)
Track Cycling
1x Olympic gold medal
1x Olympic silver medal
1x Olympic bronze medal
4x gold World Championships
2x silver World Championships
2x bronze World Championships
8x gold European Championships
1x silver European Championships
4x bronze European Championships
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