Spanish Cyclist, 5-Time National Champion, Announces Retirement
Luis Léon Sánchez is in the final stages of his professional cycling career. The 39-year-old Spanish cyclist from Astana Qazaqstan Team has officially announced his retirement on social media.
“It’s very hard for me to say, but this is my last year as a professional cyclist,” begins the Spaniard. “Everything comes to an end, and it’s time to announce my retirement. The bicycle has taken me to incredible places, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting wonderful people.”
“I am very grateful to my wife Laura and my three children. They have always supported me. From now on, they are my priority. They have suffered and sacrificed more than I have in recent years.”
Beginning of Professional Career in 2004
Sánchez started his professional cycling career in 2004 with Liberty Seguros and has since ridden for Caisse d’Epargne, Rabobank, Caja Rural-Seguros RGA, Astana, and Bahrain Victorious. Throughout his career, Sánchez has won the Clásica San Sebastián twice, four stages of the Tour de France, Paris-Nice, and five national championships.
Notably, the Spanish cyclist has never won a stage in the Vuelta a España. Sánchez still has six stages to change that, as he currently competes in the Vuelta with his Astana team.