The cycling world has reacted to the shock news that Ian Stannard has been forced to retire due to health problems.
Stannard, who has ridden his entire WorldTour career with British squad Ineos, has to end his career because of rheumatoid arthritis.
The 33-year-old has become an icon of British cycling in the pro peloton, building an impressive palmarès while riding in support of Chris Froome in five of his Grand Tour victories.
Friends, team-mates and fans have all shared their thoughts as Stannard leaves the pro peloton.
Luke Rowe, who joined Stannard at Team Sky in 2012, said on Instagram: “Many a smile spent chopping off with this big man.
“Always a good crack on and off the bike. Enjoy retirement Yogi Bear.”
Both Rowe and Stannard have targeted the spring Classics when given their own opportunities and had some hugely impressive results - Rowe with fifth place in the Tour of Flanders and eighth in Paris-Roubaix, while Stannard won two editions of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, was third in Paris-Roubaix and finished sixth in Milan-San Remo.
Geraint Thomas, winner of the 2018 Tour de France who has also ridden for Sky and Ineos for his entire career, said: “Sad to see Ian Stannard retire, after over 20 years racing together.
“Going to miss you mate, but what a career.”
Cycling journalist Paul Knott said: “I’ve never felt Stannard got the recognition he deserved from the masses, which he probably didn’t mind in all honesty.
“But I’m sure his team-mates would say he was one of their most valuable and loyal in some of the biggest races during his career.”
Commentator Ant McCrossan said: “What a rider!
“His win in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad is a cult moment in cycling. Ian Stannard, all the very best.
“A bike rider made for the toughest of conditions. His results speak for themselves.”
Alex is the digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter and now as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output.
Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) and joining CW in 2018, Alex has covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers.
Away from journalism, Alex is a national level time triallist, avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
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