Published on : 10/13/2026
From Bergamo to Como, over 239 km of tarmac and suffering, Ion Izagirre took part in the final race of his career. Ion did what Ion does best: he pushed himself to the limit, riding with a fractured wrist to experience one last thrill. The team wanted to honour him throughout the day, with a special bike supplied by Look and numerous thoughtful gestures, culminating in a visit from his family that evening to share a meal with the staff and riders. Yesterday, back home, the Basque rider reflected on the weekend, his state of mind and what lies ahead. A great champion speaks.
Ion Izagirre: “I know just how much cycling has given me”
What are your main takeaways from your last racing weekend?
There were so many emotions. I’ll remember my family and loved ones being there, the bike provided by Look, and also the physical condition I was in before the race. Despite my fracture, I wanted to finish. I needed to do that to bring my sporting career to a proper close. Everything was so special: it’s a weekend I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
How did you manage to get over the pain in your wrist?
Once again, I wanted to finish like that. I was lucky to have such great support from the team and the doctors. We could see that I was able to ride, that the fracture was minor. But the truth is, it was painful during the race. The Tour of Lombardy is such a gruelling race, lasting six hours, and the pain was very much there. But I wanted to see it through to the end, come what may; I really wanted to do that to finish on a high note.
‘To keep going, to know how to get through the tough times’
At the age of 37, you’ve had an incredible season (two wins, 7th in Paris–Nice, 4th in the Tour of the Basque Country). How do you explain it?
I don’t know if that’s what I was hoping for at the start of the season. I think I just wanted to enjoy myself all the time. There’s no doubt there’s a psychological aspect to it – the fact that I’m riding with a greater sense of freedom. I felt lighter; I approached everything with less pressure, both training sessions and races. But I didn’t feel as though I’d changed my approach much… In any case, I’m really pleased to have been able to give so much over the past year.
More generally, how do you explain having maintained such a high standard throughout your 17-year career?
It’s difficult to answer that. I think you need to have the right mindset, ambition, a hunger for competition, and the ability to get through the toughest times. You have to be able to cope with falls, illness and personal problems, overcome them, and always fight to give your best.
Is there a different approach to taking part as a Basque runner?
What I do know is that here, cycling is approached with a great deal of enthusiasm and passion. That said, everyone has their own way of tackling races and managing their career. It’s a hobby, of course, but one that turns into a job. You have to know how to balance the different aspects of your life, and that’s no easy task. That’s also why cycling is like life itself.
“With Cofidis, it’s a chance to experience such stability”
Have you felt that cycling has changed a lot over the course of your career?
Yes, I think it’s changed a lot, but so has life. The more time goes by, the more precise we become when it comes to training schedules, kit and nutrition… But ultimately, the basics remain the same! There have been changes, of course; a new era has gradually emerged. Personally, I’ve tried to adapt to it in my own way over the years.
You spent five seasons with Cofidis. How would you describe the team?
It’s the team I’ve spent the longest time with in my career. When I arrived, it was a radical change – even culturally – joining a French team. But settling in went very well; I was welcomed with open arms. Cofidis has a long tradition of having Spanish riders and staff members, and that certainly helped. It’s a historic team, with a long history and years of experience. In these difficult times, it’s a blessing to enjoy such stability. Whether you’re a rider or a member of staff, you know this is a long-term project a project for life.
What are your hopes for the team in the future?
I can only wish him all the best! My thoughts are with everyone my team-mates, every member of the coaching staff, and all the people I’ve met along the way. I’m convinced that by continuing to work hard, to develop and to maintain an impeccable mindset, the team will be able to keep growing and experience more wonderful moments.
On a more personal note, what will your future look like?
At the moment, I don’t have any specific plans. I want to take some time out, at least for the first year, to be at home with my daughters and my wife. I want to enjoy everyday life with them. After that, I’ll see what the future holds. I know it won’t necessarily be easy, and that I’ll have to cope with the lack of competition. I know how much cycling has given me, but above all I want to enjoy life and be there for my family.