Jens Keukeleire is currently participating in the Tour of Guangxi in China, but this is also his last race of his career. The 34-year-old Belgian, a two-time Tour of Belgium champion in 2017 and 2018, announced his retirement on social media.
“So that’s it…,” Keukeleire begins his Instagram post. “I’ve just crossed the finish line of the first stage of my last race. I’m not sure what the future will bring, but I can say for certain that the past has been fantastic. What started as a short bike ride with Jeroen Laleman at the age of 15 is now coming to an end.”
“It’s been a truly great journey. I’ve been fortunate to ride at the highest level for fourteen years and travel the world, doing what I love. I’d like to thank everyone for their support during my cycling career. There are many to mention, but of course, I’d like to thank my wife in particular. We’ve lived this adventure together, and I wouldn’t have made it without you.”
Keukeleire turned professional in 2010 with the French Cofidis team and subsequently raced for Orica GreenEDGE (2012-2017), Lotto Soudal (2018-2019), and finally EF Education-EasyPost (2021-2023). His career highlights include eleven victories as a professional cyclist. Keukeleire, who was known as a strong sprinter and promising classic rider in his early years, achieved his biggest victory in 2016 when he won the twelfth stage of the Vuelta a España.