The Tour de France has kicked off without me. What’s more, I will never ride a fourth Tour. The decision was not the easiest to make - nor was it the most difficult of my 11-year career, but I feel it is time for this adventure to come to an end. 2021 will be my final season and while last year’s Tour made me think I was back to where I want to be, things have changed since. It’s no one thing in particular or plan that pushes me to want to turn the page; it’s just a question of what I’m able to put up with, more in terms of racing than training. Following my bad crash in the Vuelta five years ago, I came close to giving it all up, but the idea of stopping then just didn’t sit right with me. Ever since I started cycling I’ve been a fighter, so there was no question of stopping after a crash, despite my injuries.