Danish cyclist Magnus Cort to retire after 2026 season

Danish professional cyclist Magnus Cort has announced his intention to retire from the sport at the end of the 2026 season. The surprise announcement came on Saturday, but Cort revealed that the decision has been a gradual process.

"It has been a slow process, but I think the thought has been there for a long time," Cort said. The 33-year-old Uno-X rider feels he is still performing at a high level, having secured his 35th career victory in March at the Volta a Catalunya. Despite this, he believes now is the right time to step away.

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It has been a slow process, but I think the thought has been there for a long time.

"I have been involved for many years and experienced many things. You sacrifice a lot, and I increasingly feel that there is not much new for me to achieve," Cort explained. "So, I would rather stop at the top than ride a couple of years too many."

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I have been involved for many years and experienced many things. You sacrifice a lot, and I increasingly feel that there is not much new for me to achieve. So, I would rather stop at the top than ride a couple of years too many.

Cort has had a distinguished career, winning stages in all three Grand Tours: one in the Giro d'Italia, two in the Tour de France, and six in the Vuelta a España. He has also claimed victories in other notable races, including Paris-Nice and the Arctic Race of Norway. He will participate in his final Tour de France next week, approaching the race with his usual preparation and focus, though acknowledging it will be an emotional experience.

He anticipates missing the camaraderie of the team the most. His current teammate, Anthon Charmig, described it as a "great honor" to have ridden with Cort, whom he considers one of the sport's greats.

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He has been one of the greatest cyclists, while I came up as a teenager and young professional, so it is big to ride on a team with him.