'My body and mental health told me it’s time' - Danish climber (29) retires after Lotto-Intermarché merger

Following the merger between Lotto and Intermarché-Wanty, not everyone was left smiling. Team bosses were pleased to secure their WorldTour future, and the top riders kept their places. But beneath that layer, many staff members and riders were left unsure of what came next. On Friday, 29-year-old Lotto rider Jonas Gregaard announced that he will retire from professional cycling.

Gregaard ends his career after seven seasons in the pro ranks. The Dane turned professional with Astana in 2019 before moving to Uno-X for two years. He then joined Lotto Dstny, but was not offered a new contract for 2025 — leading him to bring his career to a close, completing a total of 5 grand Tours, the last Vuelta a España being one of them.

On Instagram, he explained his decision: " This has been a journey that has taken me through every Grand Tour, across countless roads, and into moments I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. I’ve been fortunate to experience the highs and lows of this sport together with incredible teammates, staff, colleagues, and competitors who have shaped me both as an athlete and as a person."

"To my teammates, staff, and everyone I’ve shared a team bus, a training camp, a suffering climb or a quiet dinner with - thank you. You made this part of my life special. A special thank you to my family and friends. Your support has been the foundation beneath everything. You’ve stood by me through the chaos, the stress, the joy, and the heartbreaks that come with this sport. I’m endlessly grateful."

Professional life was getting tougher to sustain for Gregaard. "Choosing to retire hasn’t been easy, but it’s the right decision for many reasons. My body and my mental health have told me it’s time - and I’ve learned how important it is to listen to that. Cycling demands everything, and right now I need to give something back to myself."

The Dane is entering a new adventure - but what it will entail, is still unclear. "Even though I’m closing this chapter, I’m genuinely excited about what comes next. I’m open to conversations, ideas, and opportunities as I look toward the future. If you’d like to talk, explore possibilities or simply connect, I’m always open to it".