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Watch: Cyclists across Canada wish Svein Tuft well in touching retirement send-off

Pros, young riders and members of the cycling community thank 13-time Canadian champion for his inspiration and impact wishing him a happy retirement

Svein Tuft’s illustrious career came to an end this past weekend at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec et Montréal. The 13-time Canadian champion hung up his pro racing wheels after a long and accomplished career which included 8 years riding on the WorldTour, wearing the pink jersey at the Giro d’Italia and a silver medal in the ITT at the 2008 world championships. The impact he’s made on Canadian cycling has been profound, inspiring a generation of Canadians to pursue their dreams on two wheels. In a touching video from Cycling Canada, riders across the country wished the Landley, B.C. native well in his retirement.

The over three-minute video includes messages from established pros, young riders and members of the cycling community. Amoung the most high profile active riders featured sending their best wishes to Tuft are worlds bronze medalist Michael Woods, Canadian ITT champion Leah Kirchmann, road champion Karol-Ann Canuel amoung many others.

Svein Tuft enjoys a call-up in his final pro race.

The common theme is of thanks to Tuft who acted as an inspiration for many and supported the careers of those he came in contact with. Tuft, 42-years-old, has said he plans to continue staying active in the world of cycling be that guiding adventure rides or participating in development camps. The experiences he accumulated during his career saw Tuft extend his career by one year to join Rally UHC in a mentorship role to help the North American team’s young riders adapt to racing an increasingly demanding European calendar.