Jakob Fuglsang contemplates cycling retirement with an unexpected 2024 ambition

Jakob Fuglsang

Veteran cyclist Jakob Fuglsang, approaching the twilight of his career at 38, has expressed his determination to make the most of potentially his last season as a professional cyclist. He has his eyes set on the cobblestone classics and a return to the Tour de France, a race he hasn’t taken part in since 2016.

Speaking to Ekstra Bladet, a Danish paper, Fuglsang divulged his intentions to participate in the E3 Saxo Classic, Dwars Door Vlaanderen, and the Tour of Flanders. His previous attempt at the Tour of Flanders in 2016 saw him finishing 25th, trailing the winner Peter Sagan by over a minute. He recounted his motivation to partake in these races as stemming from his experiences in the 2014 Tour de France’s cobblestone stage, where he and Astana teammate Vincenzo Nibali took the lead, with rivals like Chris Froome and Alberto Contador facing difficulties.

Fuglsang’s Potential Final Bow at the Tour de France?

Fuglsang, akin to Michael Woods, has hinted at postponing his retirement until 2025, yet this season’s Tour de France could be his swansong, particularly given the finish line’s proximity to his home on the French Riviera. He revealed that the sentimental finish in Nice and the Monaco start for the last stage have influenced his decision to ride in this year’s Tour. It aligns with his personal wishes and the aspirations of his current team, Israel-Premier Tech.

Should Fuglsang choose to end his illustrious career at the season’s conclusion, he will reflect upon a trove of significant achievements. His tenure with Israel-Premier Tech includes triumphs in two monuments โ€“ Liรจge-Bastogne-Liรจge in 2019 and the Tour of Lombardy in 2020. He has also won the general classification in the Critรฉrium du Dauphinรฉ on two occasions (2017 and 2019). His latest victory was secured in May last year at the Mercan’Tour Classic Alpes-Maritimes.