Andrey Amador, who many specialists consider as the greatest figure of Costa Rican cycling, ended his career in top level professional cycling, after fifteen seasons full of challenges and satisfactions.
The morning of Wednesday, November 20 has remained in the memory of Costa Rican cycling, with the announcement of Andrey Amador Bikkazakova to put an end to his career as a professional cyclist, after more than two decades of career in the sport and fifteen years of professional life.
Although the maximum standard bearer of our cycling had signed with EF Education – EasyPost until 2025, he had to anticipate his farewell after a season marked by a scarce calendar due to injuries, the last of them as a result of a hit-and-run while training in Barcelona, Spain.
In a video of three minutes and eight seconds, Andrey explains the reasons for his decision, reviews the highlights of his career and addresses with gratitude to all the people who have accompanied him in every kilometer of his career, leaving the expectation for the next step in his path.
OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUÉ
“Hello people, after a career full of challenges and satisfactions I am here to announce that I am retiring from professional cycling.
Actually, it has been a difficult year full of injuries that have prevented me from cycling at the level I am used to. It has not been an easy decision, it was not something that was planned, but life and cycling are like that and there are times when listening to our body and taking care of our health must be the priority.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to my teammates, team, coaches and staff who accompanied me on this journey, their dedication and trust were fundamental to achieve each goal. To my family, of course to Laura my partner in adventure for all the patience she has and had, to my daughters who came to give us that point of joy and knowing that sometimes risk too much in a competition, you have to see that we also have family.
Thanks to my parents who have always been there to give me that education, they have always been a great motivation, thanks to them I can also say that I was a cyclist. To the Cantonal Sports Committee of San José and the first people who trusted me and helped me to fulfill this dream and of course to you, the cycling fans, thanks for the constant support, a support that was the main seed for the Gran Fondo Andrey Amador trilogy to become a reality, a project to celebrate the sport and Costa Rica.
Throughout my career I have had the honor of representing Costa Rica, achieving things I never imagined since my victory in stage 14 of the Giro d’Italia in 2012 to wear the Maglia Rosa in 2016, each achievement I dedicate to my Costa Rica and my family.
Although I say goodbye to professional cycling I will always be linked to this sport that I love so much, I take with me indelible memories and the satisfaction of having given the best of me in every pedal stroke, now will come moments of rest and taking care of my health to the maximum to prepare for the next big surprise, thanks to all and see you always.”
Source: Marisol Toro, at www.crciclismo.com