Steven Kruijswijk Confirms Professional Retirement Following Upcoming Vuelta a España

What Happened

Steven Kruijswijk has officially announced that the 2026 cycling season will be his final year as a professional. Speaking during the television program De Avondetappe, the Visma-Lease a Bike rider confirmed that the upcoming Vuelta a España will serve as his final Grand Tour. This decision follows a one-year contract extension signed last year, which brought his professional tenure to 17 seasons.

Background

Kruijswijk has established himself as a prominent figure in Dutch cycling through his consistency in three-week stage races. His career highlights include a podium finish at the 2019 Tour de France, where he placed third overall. Throughout his career, he has participated in nine editions of the Giro d'Italia, seven editions of the Tour de France, and is entering his eighth appearance at the Vuelta a España.

What Happens Next

The Vuelta a España is scheduled to begin on August 22 and conclude on September 13. The opening stage holds personal significance for Kruijswijk as it commences in Monaco, his current place of residence. The individual time trial route for the first stage passes directly by his home on roads he uses for regular training. While Kruijswijk's participation is confirmed, the full Visma-Lease a Bike roster has yet to be finalized, though the team is expected to focus on Wout van Aert's performance following his recovery.

Key Facts

• Steven Kruijswijk is 39 years old and has been a professional cyclist for 17 years.
• The upcoming Vuelta a España will be his 24th career Grand Tour start.
• His career-best Grand Tour result was a third-place finish in the 2019 Tour de France.
• The 2026 Vuelta begins in Monaco, where Kruijswijk currently lives.
• The race duration spans from August 22 to September 13.