00:00 Though the tough conditions,
00:01 I've absolutely loved racing every kilometer so far.
00:05 So I feel it's a perfect opportunity to say
00:08 with absolute joy in my heart
00:11 that this will be my final Giro d'Italia
00:13 and 2023 will be my final season as professional cyclist.
00:16 Right now, there's no need to talk
00:19 about my short and long-term plans.
00:22 I'll always be a cyclist, that's for sure.
00:25 But for this final period,
00:29 I'd like to just enjoy doing what has made me happy
00:31 for the last 25 years, and that's simply to race.
00:35 It's been a brutal couple of weeks here in Italy
00:39 for the riders, teams, organizers, and fans,
00:42 but more importantly, for the people of Emilia-Romagna
00:45 who've been affected by far more than a wet bike race.
00:49 My thoughts to all those who have been affected
00:52 and suffered this past week.
00:53 Like many others, I've been struggling with sickness
00:57 during the race, on top of some effects
01:00 from unfortunate crashes,
01:01 but I've had an absolutely incredible group of people
01:05 around me, whether they're in Kazakhstan,
01:07 to get me through, and I cannot thank this group
01:11 of friends enough for the support
01:12 and the memories we've created here.
01:14 We've tried and will continue to try
01:17 to get the victory I believe we can achieve this Giro.
01:21 Cycling's been my life for over 25 years.
01:26 (child babbling)
01:29 I've lived an absolute dream.
01:31 The bike's given me opportunities to see the world,
01:35 meet incredible people, both involved
01:39 and not involved in the sport,
01:40 a lot of whom I'm proud to now call friends.
01:44 It's taught me so much about life, about dedication,
01:49 loyalty, companionship and teamwork,
01:52 sacrifice, humility and perseverance.
01:56 All important things, but now as a father,
02:01 I can show my children.
02:02 Today is my son Kasper's fifth birthday.
02:07 I'm fortunate to rest today and I can see
02:10 my beautiful family and spend his birthday with him.
02:14 I think it's important that now I can be there
02:16 every birthday for my wife, Peter, and all our children.
02:21 It's important I can see all the school concerts.
02:24 It's important that I can support them
02:27 in their sporting competitions.
02:28 And it's important I'm able to run around with them
02:32 without fear of injuries or getting sick.
02:35 This race is an important place in my heart
02:40 as a cyclist and a person.
02:41 The Giro d'Italia gave me my first grand tour wins in 2008.
02:46 Italy was my home for many years during my career.
02:50 And the people here welcome me as one of their own.
02:53 Those are tough conditions.
02:56 I've absolutely loved racing every kilometre so far.
02:59 So I feel it's the perfect opportunity to say
03:03 with absolute joy in my heart
03:05 that this will be my final Giro d'Italia.
03:08 2023 will be my final season.
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