Michael Mørkøv, the acclaimed Danish cyclist, will retire from professional cycling at the end of 2024. Throughout his career, he has achieved notable success as both an Olympic and World Champion on the track, and as one of the finest lead-out riders in cycling history.
Mørkøv, 39, began his WorldTour career with Saxo Bank in 2009 and later rode for Katusha. He also spent significant time with various iterations of Patrick Lefevere’s QuickStep teams between 2018 and 2023. During this period, he helped Elia Viviani, Sam Bennett, Fabio Jakobsen, and Mark Cavendish secure numerous victories.
On the track, Mørkøv won three Madison world titles and an Olympic Gold, partnering first with Alex Rasmussen and later with Lasse Norman Hansen. Reflecting on his career, Mørkøv said, “I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved as a track cyclist and a road cyclist. I’ve been part of the biggest races in the world and surrounded by great teammates.”
In addition to his team achievements, Mørkøv claimed individual success as a three-time Danish national champion and a stage winner at the Vuelta a España in 2013. He memorably won stage 6 in a dramatic sprint finish, overtaking Tony Martin just 50 metres from the line in Cáceres.
Collaboration with Mark Cavendish
Recently, Mørkøv’s partnership with Cavendish has been a highlight. He played a crucial role in Cavendish’s record-breaking 35th Tour de France victory on stage 5. “I have enjoyed this Tour much more than any other Tour because I really try to soak everything in – the experience with Cav, taking an early decision, it just makes me enjoy this season a lot,” Mørkøv shared.
Mørkøv plans to ride his final races on home roads and tracks at the end of the season. However, he still has ambitions for 2024, including more success with Cavendish at the Tour, track worlds in Ballerup, and the Paris Olympics, where he will compete in both track and road races.
“Of course, I have a lot of big goals to achieve still in this Tour de France, at the Olympic Games, at the World Championships on the track in Ballerup in October,” Mørkøv concluded. “But maybe it will only be at my very last race in Copenhagen that it will strike me that now it will really be the last time that I pin on my numbers.”
Personal Reflections
Mørkøv expressed gratitude to his family and friends, acknowledging their support throughout his career. “I have to thank my wife 1000s of times, but I cannot thank her enough for making it possible for me to be a professional bike rider and have a family at the same time,” he said. His son, though a bit sad, appreciates having a “cool dad.”
The Danish rider’s hard work and dedication over 16 years have left a lasting impact on the world of cycling. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy will endure.