With the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race taking place in the Italian morning yesterday, Simon Clarke's career as a cyclist has officially come to an end.

The Melbourne-born '86 class, who turned professional in 2009 with ISD-Neri, bid farewell to the cycling world in front of his people, contributing with the seriousness and dedication that have always distinguished him to his teammate and compatriot Brady Gilmore's third place.

"I am truly lucky to have been able to conclude my career as I wanted, in my country, in front of my friends and family. I couldn't have wished for better" the Australian shared through the official channels of the NSN Cycling Team.

"A twenty-year career goes by very quickly and, even when you become a professional, it's easy to rest on your laurels and not get the most out of every season and every opportunity. Before you know it, you're already 39, so yes, you must make the most of every moment".

Clarke did this not only by contributing to the victories of the many team leaders he supported in sixteen and a half years as a pro, but also by scoring important wins like his victory in the Arenberg stage at the 2022 Tour de France, two stage wins at the Vuelta España (in 2012 and 2018), the 2020 Royal Bernard Drôme Classic, 2016 GP Industria & Artigianato, and the overall (with first place in the Bendigo stage) at the 2014 Herald Sun Tour.

This allowed him, in 1133 days as a professional, to earn space, respect, and credibility in the peloton, thus arriving at 39 years old to close his cycling chapter without regrets.

"Many riders spend their entire career sacrificing themselves for others and retire without having achieved any personal results" Clarke told APP. "Although I spent most of my seasons as a domestique, I am very happy to have had moments where I could pursue those results and, when I did, obtain good ones. I am proud of all this and for this, certainly, I hang up my bike without regrets".

Devoid of remorse and, on the contrary, absolutely full of gratitude and happiness, Clarke (who speaks Italian, married his Mara in 2016 and has, in general, a strong connection with our country) has put his days as an athlete behind him but will continue to live with bikes since, having taken off his cyclist's jersey, he will work in the performance team of NSN, the team that accompanied him to his cycling farewell.

"I am really excited to switch sides and stay with this team. I think we are still in a growth phase and I am eager to be part of this process by helping the team train riders and trying to be a good teammate even in these new clothes" the Australian stated, who has always been particularly attentive to how to be more performant on the bike.

"I am a bit of what they call a 'weight freak' but also [focused on] aerodynamics and efficiency. Every racing bike I've had, since I started, I've always modified by making small adjustments" Clarke admitted, whose role change inevitably leaves a void not only in the lineup of Kjell Carlström's team but also within the entire peloton.

His team-player qualities and his charismatic and smiling presence have been appreciated by many over the years both inside and outside the teams (ISD-Neri, Astana, Orica Greenedge, Cannondale and EF, Qhubeka and Israel-Premier Tech) he rode for, making him a particularly incisive and well-liked figure, as demonstrated by the words dedicated to him by Michael Matthews.

"Thank you very much for what you have done for me, for Australian cycling and this sport in general, but even before that, for the person you have become. It was an honor to share this adventure with you, I wish you the best for the future".

A wish to which we also associate ourselves, waiting to cross paths again, thanking Simon for the emotions he has given us and the encounters he has granted us in these years as a rider.