Rui Costa is retiring from professional cycling. The 39-year-old Portuguese announced on Instagram that the Tour of Lombardy was his final race. "I loved cycling so much, but now it's time to retire," he wrote.
Costa had an exceptionally successful cycling career. The Portuguese rider secured a total of 33 professional wins, including three stages in the Tour de France and a stage in the Vuelta a España. He also won the Tour of Switzerland three times. His greatest moment came on September 29, 2013, when he became world champion in Florence ahead of Joaquim Rodriguez and Alejandro Valverde. It was a victory remembered for years, especially since Valverde was Costa’s teammate at Movistar at the time.
"It’s time for me to enjoy the people around me," Costa continued in his farewell post. "I will finally be present for life's small and big moments that have often been postponed. I am blessed to have lived my dream. Thanks to everyone who was part of my journey and to my national team. It was a huge honor to carry our flag around the world. Thanks also to everyone who cheered for me, supported me, and stood by me. From the bottom of my heart: thank you."
"Today I close a chapter, but my passion for two wheels will never end," he concluded.
photo: Cor Vos © 2013
Rui Alberto Costa Da Faria| Year | Team |
|---|---|
| 2025 | |
| 2024 | |
| 2023 | |
| 2022 | |
| 2021 |
