With a long message posted on Instagram, Simone Petilli announces that he will end his career with Il Lombardia: here are his words.

"I did what I dreamed of as a child, I pedaled around the world, raced against champions I used to watch on television, and then tried to imitate them by going out with my bicycle and climbing hills as hard as possible!

As a young man, becoming a professional was a goal, and then I achieved it: without realizing it, I turned my passion into a job, I learned a lot, I gained experiences that few have.

More than 10 years as a pro during which I met incredible people, from whom I learned a lot, and who shaped the man I am now! The Giro d'Italia that everyone watches on TV and fills everyone's days every May, I had the honor of racing it 5 times, and being one of those protagonists, dreaming of the Pink Jersey, a Stage Victory or even just finishing it!

I was not a Champion, but I met many, and from each I learned something, increasing my respect for each of them! However, I was a Professional Cyclist, which means knowing how to get back up after every fall, racing in every condition, under the rain and in the cold, or at over 40 degrees with a scorching sun. Racing for 3 consecutive weeks, training every day, traveling in all conditions, measuring everything you eat, resting at best, and taking care of your body, but at the same time putting it under stress and pushing it to the limit of its capabilities practically every day!

I had fun, I did everything I wanted (or almost!), so I decided that it's time to grow and look ahead! The future looks equally interesting! Now it's time to give back to cycling what it gave me...

My last Grand Tour has ended, but my final goodbye will be in my Home Race: Il Lombardia. See you there.

Thanks to everyone who supported me, and there were really many!

Thanks to everyone I raced with, staff members, managers or others in the World of Cycling!

Thanks to My Family!

Thanks Cycling!

And I won't forget: "If you were a Cyclist, in Life you can do Everything!"