Thibaut Pinot Retires from Cycling with Emotional Farewell in Bergamo
After fourteen years at the highest level, Thibaut Pinot, the French cyclist from Groupama-FDJ, bid goodbye to his career in a memorable send-off in Bergamo. Despite not being able to compete with the best riders in his final race, Pinot received an outpouring of love and support from the crowd, affirming the impact he has had on the sport. Emotions ran high throughout the day, proving that they can surpass any outcome.
The day was filled with poignant moments as Pinot was the center of attention for his last race. Although not comfortable with the spotlight, the 33-year-old was acknowledged on the podium at the start in Como and received numerous greetings from fellow riders during the race. Pinot reflected on the special day, saying, “It was a very special day, but we tried to stay focused as much as possible and not get overwhelmed by emotion.”
As the race progressed, a pivotal selection occurred around sixty kilometers from the finish, with Pinot and his Groupama-FDJ teammates remaining in the peloton. However, the favorites’ fight intensified on the descent of Passo di Ganda, and Pinot’s team was unable to join the battle.
But the race was far from over for Pinot, as a final appointment awaited him on the Colle Aperto near Bergamo. Over five hundred fans, many of whom had traveled from France specifically for this occasion, gathered in the “Curva Pinot” to honor their idol. The atmosphere was electric, and the crowd erupted with cheers and applause as Pinot, alongside his teammates Rudy Molard and Quentin Pacher, made his way through the narrow path. Reflecting on the experience, Pinot said, “It was crazy and a really intense moment. The videos will be incredible.”
After this remarkable display of support, Pinot crossed the finish line with Molard and Pacher, marking the end of his illustrious career. He expressed gratitude for the experience, remarking, “Finishing with Quentin and Rudy is a nice symbol for me. Having won [this race] is truly my greatest pride. This race will remain a great memory. It was the last bib, but I will have memories for life.”
Pinot’s retirement from cycling marks the closing of a significant chapter in the sport. Teammate Rudy Molard acknowledged this, saying, “We will remember his career, but also this day.” The celebrations continued well into the evening, with supporters gathering in front of the team bus. In a final speech, Pinot expressed his appreciation for his fans, stating, “I think that I really have the best fans in the world.” His absence in the cycling world will surely be felt.
Ciao, Thibaut.
