50 year-old eternal cyclist Davide Rebellin says he will finally retire from the pro peloton at the end of his 30th season…and plans to focus on racing Italia gran fondo circuits in 2023. 

“In 2022 I want to finish my professional career well. It will be my last year,” Rebellin announced this week while training in Mallorca.

When asked what he will do next, Rebellin said, “Sport is not just about winning, but also about giving messages. We must give the message of a correct lifestyle, to love what you do and always believe in it. It is a stimulus for many, for young people who are starting to pedal but also for people of my age, or a little older, who do the Gran Fondo and enjoy cycling. I think it is a beautiful message, which I will have the pleasure to convey, beyond the results.” 

Riding for the UCI Continental team Work Service-Machiol Vega with teammates half his age, the Italian decided last month to tag an extra year onto his career and hopefully notch up one last victory. 

In the 2000s Rebellin came to dominate the Spring Classics with three wins at La Fleche Wallone, and victories at Liege-Bastogne-Liege and Amstel Gold.  He also received a two-year ban for doping at the 2008 Olympics and has been racing with continental level pro teams since. 

PHOTOS: CCC