'One of the most special teammates': tributes roll in from World Champion Demi Vollering, and others, for retiring Cecchini
Women's Cycling
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Follow us on GoogleDemi Vollering posted a brief thank-you message on social media directed at Elena Cecchini. The 34-year-old Italian has been a mainstay at SD Worx-Protime in recent years, but on Sunday she brought her career to a close in Arnhem with the final stage of the Eneco Tour.
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Cecchini was given a guard of honour at the Eneco Tour
Cecchini, who rode for SD Worx-Protime starting in 2021, was honoured by all the participants even before the stage began. The peloton formed a guard of honour for the Italian, who ultimately recorded a DNF. However, under the watchful eye of her husband, and former pro-cyclist, Elia Viviani, she did cross the finish line one last time.
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On social media, many colleagues paid tribute to Cecchini's career. One of those was European, and World Champion Demi Vollering.
"Here's to a wonderful career, and all the best for your next chapter!" wrote Vollering.
"You were often my roommate, and I've been through good times and bad times with you; we've laughed so much, cried, and had deep conversations late into the night. Thank you for everything you've done and for the woman you are," said the Dutch woman in her heartfelt words.
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The peloton showered Cecchini with praise and love
Big names from the peloton showered Cecchini with praise and love at the end of her career.
Kasia Niewiadoma, Lotte Kopecky, Marta Bastianelli, Riejanne Markus, Chantal van den Broek-Blaak, Lorena Wiebes, and Elisa Longo Borghini, among others, also had kind words for Cecchini. Her team, SD Worx-Protime, compiled some of their comments into a lovely video, which you can watch below.
"From the bottom of my heart: you're one of the most special teammates there is," Mischa Bredewold, for example, said to the camera. "You're so loyal, and I've learned so much from you."
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Clarice WebsterEditor
Clarice has been following cycling her whole life, wroting about Thibaut Pinot (among others) for her university magazine while earning her masters in Journalism. She is passionate about furthering equality in sports coverage, and has taken huge inspiration from pillars of women’s cycling like Beryl Burton, Marianne Vos, and Laura Kenny.
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