Vasil Kiryienka, who joined Team INEOS (formerly, Team Sky) in 2013, has announced his retirement from professional cycling.
He missed the start of last season owing to a cardiac anomaly, only to return to competitive racing at the Tour de Romandie in 2019 – the team’s first race as Team Ineos.
Announcing his retirement, Kiryienka said “it’s a really sad day for me, but it’s the right decision based on the advice I’ve been given by the medical team. I’ve had a wonderful career and enjoyed every minute racing with this team. It’s been an incredible journey and I am so grateful for all the support I’ve received throughout my whole career.”
Team INEOS principal Sir Dave Brailsford added: “It is disappointing for Kiry and for us as a team. He is a true one-off and one of the greatest team riders of his generation.”
Kiryienka’s career highlights include taking the rainbow bands at the 2015 Road World Championships in the individual time trial. He also rode an impressive 20 Grand Tours, taking three stage wins at the Giro d’Italia and one at the Vuelta a España.
