Tosh Van der Sande is calling it a day after a fourteen-year professional career. The 34-year-old Belgian announced this via Instagram. Van der Sande was known as a valued domestique for his team leaders, first at Lotto and in recent years serving Visma | Lease a Bike.
"It’s time to say it," Van der Sande begins his farewell post. "The past few years haven’t been easy, physically nor mentally, but I did everything I could to rediscover the joy and passion that made me fall in love with this sport in the first place. And I succeeded! But now my body has clearly told me it’s time to stop."
"Still, I can only look back with immense pride on fourteen unforgettable years racing at the highest level. I raced against and alongside the best riders in the world. I lived my dream and I’m very grateful for that."
The Belgian also wants to thank many people. "To all my teammates, staff, and everyone I’ve worked with: I hope you look back on our time together with the same smile. And I hope that, especially in later years, I was able to share some experience and maybe even share a few laughs."
Advice for the Next Generation
As a seasoned rider, Van der Sande also wants to offer some advice to the new generation. "One last message to the next generation of cyclists: live for your sport, but don’t forget to live outside of cycling as well. Don’t get lost in the numbers, wattages, or your bike computer."
"Cycling isn’t just about data: instinct, courage, and the love of riding are important too. Thanks everyone for the support, the cheers, the fight, and the laughter. Time to shift gears in life. See you in the future."
Throughout his pro years, Van der Sande contributed to the successes of his leaders, but he also secured two professional victories himself. For that, we have to go a bit further back, before his time at Visma | Lease a Bike. Riding for Lotto, he won a stage in the 2016 Tour de l'Ain. Three years later, in 2019, he took victory in the final stage of the Tour de Wallonie.
Tosh Van der Sande| Year | Team |
|---|---|
| 2025 | |
| 2024 | |
| 2023 | |
| 2022 | |
| 2021 |
