Rigoberto Uran, the renowned Colombian cyclist, has declared that the 2024 season will mark the end of his illustrious professional career, culminating with the Paris Olympic Games. This announcement was made during a visit to the Atlético Nacional football club in Medellin, with the caveat that his participation hinges on being selected for the Colombian national team, which has only two spots available for the road race.
Turning 37 next January, Uran, affectionately known as “Rigo,” has been a prominent figure in the professional cycling peloton. His achievements include securing second place in the 2017 Tour de France, finishing just under a minute behind Christopher Froome and ahead of Romain Bardet. He also earned second-place finishes in the Giro d’Italia in both 2013 and 2014, with respective gaps of 4 minutes 43 seconds and 2 minutes 58 seconds from winners Vincenzo Nibali and fellow Colombian Nairo Quintana. Throughout his career, Uran has consistently performed at a high level, placing in the top 10 of general classifications in three-week races on nine occasions.
Uran’s record includes victories in stage races across all three Grand Tours, tallying 14 career wins, the most recent in September 2022. Notably, he achieved a podium finish at the 2012 Olympics, securing a silver medal in a sprint finish against Kazakhstan’s Alexandre Vinokourov. A member of EF Education-EasyPost since 2016, formerly known as Cannondale, Uran is celebrated not just for his racing prowess but also for his amiable and whimsical personality.
A pivotal figure in Colombian cycling, Uran’s retirement announcement coincides with Nairo Quintana’s return to the WorldTour with Movistar in 2024. Uran, who began his professional career in 2006, has been at the forefront of a wave of Colombian talent that includes names like Esteban Chaves and Egan Bernal, who have been instrumental in shaping the cycling landscape for over a decade.
Uran’s retirement confirmation has sparked discussions about his tenure with EF Education-EasyPost, where he has been a mainstay since 2016. His career achievements include a stage win in the 2017 Tour de France and the silver medal in the 2012 Olympics, a feat that placed him among Colombia’s most elite athletes. Uran’s popularity soared with his Go!Rigo!Go! brand, resonating with fans worldwide.
In a heartfelt message during his visit to Atlético Nacional’s sports headquarters, Uran expressed his gratitude, noting the influence he’s had on aspiring cyclists. With just eight months remaining in his international cycling career, Uran looks to make his final mark on the sport he has significantly shaped over the years.
