Alessandro De Marchi has decided: at the end of the season he will close his competitive career. The Friulian, who will turn 39 next May 19th, chose Instagram to announce his decision and started with a phrase that well represents the moment he is experiencing: "Sometimes change doesn't come immediately, it is desired. It's a push that comes from within, that wants to be recognized and listened to".

And then he explained: "This phrase summarizes the process I've gone through in recent months. I've decided that this will be my last season as a professional: I reach this point with serenity, even if it's not easy, but I courageously decide to listen to this inner push. I'm facing this season with the same spirit as when I started as a neo-professional 15 years ago. I ask you to continue cheering and to do so even a bit more: see you on the road."

De Marchi officially made his professional debut in 2011 with Androni Diquigiovanni of Gianni Savio, after being a stagiaire the previous season. He struggled to make the big leap but then carved out an important space racing, besides for Savio, for Cannondale, BMC, CCC, Israel and since 2023 with Team Jayco AlUla. In his career, he has achieved seven victories: a stage of the Dauphiné in 2013, three stages at the Vuelta (2014, 2015 and 2018), the Giro dell'Emilia 2028, Tre Valli Varesine 2021 and a stage of Tour of the Alps 2024. In 2021 he wore the pink jersey for two days, participated in five World Championships and the Rio 2016 Olympics.

His next competitive appointment will be the Tour of the Alps, which starts on April 21st. Go Alessandro, see you there...