The End of an Era: Steven Kruijswijk’s Retirement and the Evolution of Cycling Loyalty
When I first heard that Steven Kruijswijk was retiring, my initial reaction was one of nostalgia. It’s not just the end of a career; it’s the closing of a chapter in cycling history. Kruijswijk’s 17-year journey with what is now Team Visma | Lease a Bike is a rarity in modern sports—a testament to loyalty, adaptability, and resilience. In an era where athletes often jump between teams for better contracts or opportunities, Kruijswijk’s commitment to a single organization feels almost anachronistic. But what makes this particularly fascinating is how his story mirrors the evolution of the team itself, from Rabobank to the cycling powerhouse it is today.
A Career Defined by Resilience and Near-Misses
Kruijswijk’s career is a study in contrasts. On one hand, he’s a rider who achieved a Tour de France podium in 2019, a feat that cements his place in cycling’s elite. On the other, he’s someone whose name is often tied to what could have been—most notably, his heartbreaking crash at the 2016 Giro d’Italia. Personally, I think this duality is what makes his story so compelling. Success in cycling isn’t just about winning; it’s about how you handle the setbacks. Kruijswijk’s ability to bounce back from that Giro disaster, only to finish third at the Tour three years later, speaks volumes about his mental fortitude.
What many people don’t realize is how much that 2016 Giro crash shaped his career. It wasn’t just a physical setback; it was a turning point. After that, Kruijswijk shifted from being a Grand Tour contender to a reliable domestique, a role he embraced with grace. This transition is a detail I find especially interesting—it’s rare to see a rider willingly step back from the spotlight, but Kruijswijk did so with a sense of duty to his team.
The Domestique’s Legacy
In recent years, Kruijswijk has become the quintessential team player. His role in Jonas Vingegaard’s 2022 Tour de France victory and Simon Yates’s Giro success last year highlights his value beyond personal glory. From my perspective, this is where Kruijswijk’s true legacy lies. In a sport often dominated by individual achievements, he’s shown that contributing to a team’s success can be just as fulfilling.
This raises a deeper question: What does it mean to be a successful cyclist? Is it solely about winning, or is it about the impact you have on your team and the sport? Kruijswijk’s career suggests the latter. His ability to fill any role—leader, domestique, mentor—has made him indispensable to Visma. It’s no wonder they extended his contract for one final season.
A Symbolic Final Grand Tour
The fact that Kruijswijk’s last Grand Tour, the Vuelta a España, begins in Monaco—where he’s lived for a decade—feels almost poetic. If you take a step back and think about it, it’s as if the cycling gods scripted this moment. The opening time trial will take him past his home, a fitting send-off for a rider who’s given so much to the sport.
But what this really suggests is the personal nature of Kruijswijk’s journey. Cycling is often portrayed as a grueling, impersonal sport, but moments like these remind us of its human side. His final Vuelta isn’t just about closing out a career; it’s about coming full circle, both literally and metaphorically.
The Broader Implications of Kruijswijk’s Retirement
Kruijswijk’s retirement isn’t just the end of a career; it’s a reflection of broader trends in cycling. As teams become more corporate and results-driven, riders like Kruijswijk—who embody loyalty and versatility—are becoming rarer. In my opinion, this is a loss for the sport. Cycling needs more riders who prioritize team success over personal glory, who understand that their role can change over time.
One thing that immediately stands out is how Kruijswijk’s story contrasts with the modern cycling landscape. In an age of short-term contracts and frequent team switches, his 17-year tenure feels like a relic of a bygone era. This raises a provocative question: Are we losing something essential in cycling as teams prioritize short-term gains over long-term relationships?
A Thoughtful Takeaway
As Kruijswijk prepares for his final Vuelta, I’m left reflecting on what his career represents. It’s not just about the podiums or the near-misses; it’s about the quiet consistency, the willingness to adapt, and the commitment to a team. Personally, I think his story is a reminder that success in cycling—and perhaps in life—isn’t always about being the fastest or the strongest. It’s about showing up, day after day, and doing what’s needed.
Kruijswijk’s retirement marks the end of an era, but it also invites us to appreciate the unsung heroes of the sport. As we watch him ride one last time, let’s not just celebrate his achievements; let’s reflect on the values he embodies—values that cycling, and maybe even society, could use more of.
