Elia Viviani, the Italian sprint legend, is hanging up his bike— and he’s doing it on his own terms. The 36‑year‑old, who has dazzled fans on both road and track for more than a decade, announced that the Giro del Veneto on October 15 will be his final road race, followed by a farewell appearance at the Track World Championships in Chile from October 22‑26.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Viviani’s decision comes just a day after fellow sprinter Arnaud Démare (Arkéa‑B&B Hotels) declared his retirement, and in the same season that Caleb Ewan also walked away from professional cycling. Suddenly, the peloton is losing three of its most recognizable fast‑finish specialists before the 2026 season, raising the question of whether the sprinting landscape is about to undergo a seismic shift.
And this is the part most people miss… Viviani isn’t just a road sprinter; he’s one of the most versatile riders of his generation. His Olympic résumé includes a gold medal in the Omnium at Rio 2016, a bronze in the same event at Tokyo 2021 (where he also had the honor of carrying the Italian flag alongside shooter Jessica Rossi), and a silver in the Madison at Paris 2024 with partner Simone Consonni. Beyond the Olympics, he’s amassed multiple World and European track titles, consistently stepping onto podiums across disciplines.
Why retire now, when he still feels “at a good level,” as he put it? Viviani cited the upcoming merger of Lotto (the team he signed with for a last‑minute 2025 contract) and Intermarché‑Wanty for the 2026 season as a key factor. The restructuring of his future team environment, combined with a desire to end his career on a high note—perhaps even chasing that coveted rainbow jersey at the World Championships—made the decision feel right.
"I know I'm still at a good level, which is why I want to end at the World Championships – maybe even chasing that rainbow jersey."
For fans who have followed his thrilling sprint finishes, his tactical brilliance on the track, and his charismatic personality, this news is a bittersweet mix of celebration and loss. It also sparks a broader debate: will the sport’s sprinting scene suffer without these seasoned veterans, or will a new generation rise to fill the void?
What do you think? Is Viviano’s timing to retire the smartest move for his legacy, or should he have stayed longer to mentor the next wave of sprinters? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
