Really disappointing to hear but not overly surprising. I became a big fan in 2016 - 2018, and in 2018 it seemed like he was the just a moment from beginning his rein as the indisputable king of GC riders. That 2/2 Giro/Tour combo was legendary and his a lack of a victory that year, to me, undersells his performance. Probably could have beaten Froome with better tactics, probably could have beaten GT if he hadn't ridden the Giro.
But it's been clear that he's had issues for a couple of years. Seems like constant dissatisfaction. Not condemning him, by any means. But when you compare his attitude and previous comments to what you see from Froome or previously Contador or Lance, etc., and it's just a different headspace. Would love to see him come back, but I think that seemingly insignificant fall in 2019 was the beginning of the end for him, and this looks like the end.
Didn't end up the multiple-Tour champ I thought he would, but there's a ton of luck involved, and he has a helluva set of palmares to be proud of. Still a fan, no matter what he decides.
But it's been clear that he's had issues for a couple of years. Seems like constant dissatisfaction. Not condemning him, by any means. But when you compare his attitude and previous comments to what you see from Froome or previously Contador or Lance, etc., and it's just a different headspace. Would love to see him come back, but I think that seemingly insignificant fall in 2019 was the beginning of the end for him, and this looks like the end.
Didn't end up the multiple-Tour champ I thought he would, but there's a ton of luck involved, and he has a helluva set of palmares to be proud of. Still a fan, no matter what he decides.