Fabian Cancellara has taken part in his last race of a 16-year professional career, during which time he took multiple classic victories amongst other big wins.
Cancellara lined up in the Japan Cup Criterium on Saturday and along with his team-mates Gregory Rast, Bauke Mollema and Jasper Stuyven helped to set up the victory for Fumiyuki Beppu.
The Swiss rider tweeted afterwards: “That’s all folks!! It has being a pleasure and thanks to all of you for the support all over the world in the last 16 years”
Cancellara started his career with the Mapei–Quick-Step team in 2001 and went on to ride for Fassa Bortolo and Team CSC, before joining the Leopard Trek team where he has spent the past six years under its different guises.
He built up an incredible palmares during his career, including three victories in both Paris-Roubaix (2006, 2010, 2013) and the Tour of Flanders (2010, 2013, 2014). Other big one-day wins include Milan–San Remo (2008), Strade Bianche (2008, 2012, 2016) and E3 Harelbeke (2010, 2011, 2013).
He also took numerous victories in stage races including Tirreno–Adriatico (2008), the Tour de Suisse (2009), Danmark Rundt (2006) and the Tour of Oman (2010).
In the Tour de France, Cancellara won seven stages in total which included winning the opening stage of the race five times and has led the race for 29 days total, which is the most of any rider who has not won the Tour.
Cancellara excelled in time-trials, winning Olympic gold in the individual time trial twice during his career. In addition, he was also crowned time trial world champion four times in his career, a record which was recently equaled by Tony Martin.
Best of luck in the future,new horizons.
Takes the finger off the button
Great career. Superb champion.