Pello Bilbao has announced that he will retire from professional cycling at the end of the 2026 season. The Basque rider confirmed the news on Stage 6 of the Itzulia Basque Country, making the announcement in front of home crowds.

Now 36, Bilbao turned professional in 2011 with local team Euskaltel-Euskadi and has enjoyed a long and successful career at the highest level of the sport. Since joining Bahrain Victorious in 2020, he has become a cornerstone of the team and will complete seven seasons with the team by the end of this year, playing an integral role both on and off the bike.

With several months of racing still ahead before he hangs up his cleats, Bilbao leaves behind an impressive palmarès. His victories include two stage wins at the Giro d’Italia and a memorable stage win at the Tour de France. Beyond stage success, he has been one of the most consistent general classification riders of his generation, regularly featuring on the podium at the UAE Tour and securing top-ten finishes at both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France on multiple occasions.

Bilbao also built a reputation as a reliable and intelligent rider, contributing to team success across Grand Tours and one-day races, while mentoring younger teammates throughout his career.

Speaking about his decision, Bilbao reflected on his journey while remaining motivated for the challenges that lie ahead in his final season: 

“When I look back on my career, I would say that, first of all, I was really lucky to be born in the Basque Country, in a place where cycling is so special. There is a deep cycling culture, with so many people involved in schools and races, all helping to create opportunities. That environment made it easier to enjoy the sport, to perform, and to show what I was capable of. In many ways, it gave me a smoother path to becoming a professional than most riders in the peloton.

For me, it always felt like a game at the beginning. I was just playing at being a cyclist with my friends, and suddenly I found myself turning professional almost without noticing. Everything came very fast. Of course, I needed time to adapt to the professional lifestyle—it wasn’t easy at the start, especially balancing it with my studies—but I have never regretted any decision I made along the way.

Each year, I was able to take a step forward. I went from being an unknown rider, someone who didn’t even believe he could last long in professional cycling, to achieving big results in the biggest races. Winning at the Tour de France was something every cyclist dreams of. That moment showed me how intense and emotional this sport can be. In fact, during the Grand Départ in 2023, some of my worst and best memories came together. It was a difficult time, but from that difficulty came one of the most beautiful victories and memories of my career.

Reaching that point gave me a sense of fulfilment. I’ve never seen myself as someone obsessed with results or palmarès. What I truly love about cycling is its creative side—the ability to create something, to put on a show. Of course, results matter, especially for the team, but I will always value moments like the one I shared with Damiano Caruso at the Giro d’Italia—attacking together, fighting for victory, and in the end helping him achieve something special. These are the moments I will never forget.

What I will miss most are the emotions, especially the ones we share. Cycling is not just an individual sport—it’s about creating something together. Sharing those emotions with teammates makes everything more meaningful. And beyond the team, it’s also about the people close to me—my family and friends. Seeing how much they supported me, how they enjoyed the victories and suffered during the difficult moments, made everything even more special.

Coming into my final season, everything feels different. In some races, I’ve even felt more nervous than usual, knowing it could be the last time I experience them. Every race, every moment feels more significant. I just want to show people what I am capable of, one last time.

It’s going to be a special season. I want to finish it in the best possible way—whether that means achieving a special result or simply doing my job well and helping to create great racing, like we did in that Giro.

It has truly been a pleasure, and at the end of this season, it’s time to say goodbye. I know I will miss cycling in many ways, but I also understand how demanding it is to keep performing at the highest level year after year. It takes a huge amount of energy, and the new generation is coming through stronger than ever.

For me, cycling is something you should do 100%. And when you can no longer give 100%, it’s time to move on and start a new chapter.”

Milan Eržen commented: “Pello has been a fantastic rider for us over many years, consistently delivering strong performances and achieving great results for the team. We know he is still capable of delivering at the highest level even now, and we are excited to see what he can do in his final races. We hope he enjoys every moment in the peloton and continues to create great memories, while also looking ahead to continued success beyond his cycling career.”