{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "bskyPostRef": {
    "cid": "bafyreigz6eowlft2jerdbrajcqpjzsefim4f37jzhqcp272t6tbjfarb4i",
    "uri": "at://did:plc:jcu7nrruxovhg3q5vlsnw3wt/app.bsky.feed.post/3mja4mwmm2dw2"
  },
  "description": "Basque veteran Pello Bilbao has announced that he will retire at the close of 2026, ending a 16 year career that started with then-WorldTeam Euskatel-Euskadi, Caja Rural, Astana and finally seven years at Bahrain Victorious..\n\n\"For me, it always felt like a game in the beginning,\" Bilbao said at the start of stage 6 of his home race Itzulia Basque Country where he sat ninth overall after a steady climb through the rankings from the opening ITT. \"I was just playing cyclist with my friends, and su",
  "path": "/pello-bilbao-to-retire-at-close-of-2026/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-11T15:10:14.000Z",
  "site": "https://escapecollective.com",
  "tags": [
    "opening ITT"
  ],
  "textContent": "Basque veteran Pello Bilbao has announced that he will retire at the close of 2026, ending a 16 year career that started with then-WorldTeam Euskatel-Euskadi, Caja Rural, Astana and finally seven years at Bahrain Victorious..\n\n\"For me, it always felt like a game in the beginning,\" Bilbao said at the start of stage 6 of his home race Itzulia Basque Country where he sat ninth overall after a steady climb through the rankings from the opening ITT. \"I was just playing cyclist with my friends, and suddenly I became a pro, almost without realizing it. Everything happened very fast. Of course, I needed time to adjust to the professional lifestyle – it wasn't easy at first, especially combining it with my studies – but I have never regretted a decision\n\nThe 36-year-old climber has become a popular figure in Spanish cycling and beyond, racking up 17 pro wins including stages at the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France, as well as at big races like the Dauphiné, Itzulia Basque Country and the Tour Down Under.\n\n\"Every year I was able to take a step forward. I went from an unknown rider, someone who didn't even believe he would last long in professional cycling, to achieving great results in the biggest races. Winning the Tour de France was something every cyclist dreams of. That moment showed me how intense and emotional this sport can be.”",
  "title": "Pello Bilbao to retire at close of 2026",
  "updatedAt": "2026-04-11T15:10:15.608Z"
}