Luke Rowe announces retirement

Luke Rowe, trusted Road Captain and the longstanding INEOS Grenadier, has announced he will retire at the end of the 2024 season. 

Luke has been with the team since becoming a neo-pro in 2012 and has ridden an impressive eight consecutive Tour de France races. As well as a standout rider in the Classics, with his own impressive performances in some of the toughest races, Luke has played the critical role of Road Captain for three different Tour de France winners in Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas and Egan Bernal.
 
Welshman Luke, who turned 34 last month, explained his decision to bring forward his retirement by a season: “I’ve had an amazing career and I have absolutely no regrets. But the last 18 months have been testing in different ways and with this latest crash and resulting injury, it just feels like now is the right time to bow out, head home to Wales and spend a bit more time with my family.
 
“I’ve got so many amazing memories and I have loved every part of being a professional cyclist. There are so many people who have played a key role in my career - too many to thank individually. Obviously huge thanks to my family and friends, but I’d also like to thank everyone in the INEOS Grenadiers, many of whom are also like family. I’ve been incredibly lucky to spend all 13 years as a pro bike rider with one team and it’s been a team who has supported me 100% through the good times and the bad. Their commitment and support to their athletes is world class and it’s part of the reason I have never wanted to race for anyone else.
 
“For now, I am focusing on recovering from this latest injury and working with the team and doctors to try and get back on the bike. I have the rest of the season left and would like to race again in 2024 - with the Tour of Britain being my dream race to end on. The fans around the world have always been amazing but it would be pretty special to end my career racing around the UK in front of home fans.”
 
John Allert, CEO of INEOS Grenadiers, praised Luke’s racing ability but also the positive impact he has on the team off the bike: “Luke is a massive part of what makes this team so special. He has been here since the very start and has played a huge part in our biggest wins and some of the most iconic moments in the team’s history. 
 
“Not only is Luke a fearless, gritty, powerhouse of a racer who can read and control a race like few other riders, he’s a fantastic personality and team-mate off the bike too. In the last few years, he has been a willing mentor to our younger riders, passing down his wisdom, experience and tactical knowledge. 
 
“We are all going to miss Luke, but he’ll always be a Grenadier, and I’m sure has a bright future working in some aspect of the sport he loves so much. I’m sure I speak for everyone who has ever worked with Luke, when I say thanks for everything and good luck with the remainder of the season.”

John Allert, CEO of INEOS Grenadiers, praised Luke’s racing ability but also the positive impact he has on the team off the bike: “Luke is a massive part of what makes this team so special. He has been here since the early years and has played a huge part in our biggest wins and some of the most iconic moments in the team’s history. 
 
“Not only is Luke a fearless, gritty, powerhouse of a racer who can read and control a race like few other riders, he’s a fantastic personality and team-mate off the bike too. In the last few years, he has been a willing mentor to our younger riders, passing down his wisdom, experience and tactical knowledge. 
 
“We are all going to miss Luke, but he’ll always be a Grenadier, and I’m sure has a bright future working in some aspect of the sport he loves so much. I’m sure I speak for everyone who has ever worked with Luke, when I say thanks for everything and good luck with the remainder of the season.”