25-year-old David Veilleux (Europcar) will bring his career to a surprising end on Sunday in the GP Montreal. Having won a stage in the Dauphiné and finished the Tour de France earlier this year, the young Canadian will focus on his studies.

David Veilleux became a household name in the world of cycling when he won a stage and led the Criterium du Dauphiné for several days earlier this year. His strong performance earned him a selection for the Tour de France which he managed to complete, and a bright future appeared to be in store.

However, that future won't be in the world of cycling as the Europcar rider has today announced that he will bring his career to an early end. Having already reached his athletic goals, he will instead pursue a career in engineering. The GP de Quebec and Montreal on Friday and Sunday will be his final races as a professional athlete.

Veilleux published a letter to explain the reasons for his surprise farewell.

Open letter from David Veilleux:

"Today, I announce that the Grand Prix riders of Quebec and Montreal will be my last competition as a professional cyclist. I decided to end my career with the goal of continuing my studies full time and get my degree in Mechanical Engineering at Laval University, in two years.

Over the years, I have traveled the globe to participate in cycling competitions.I'm proud of what I accomplished and well aware of how lucky I got. I thank my Europcar team helped me achieve my goals in the past three years.

I stood out with many results on the North American circuit and with a few wins in Europe, including a stage win on the prestigious Criterium du Dauphine in France. I attended several monuments of cycling that made me dream in my youth, as Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix, the Tour of Flanders, not to mention the World Championships.

And to top it all, I have accomplished my wildest dream is to participate and complete the Tour de France.          

I reached my fitness goals and now it's time for me to pursue my other personal goals. I am considering how beautiful the coming years, since I can spend more time with my family ... and possibly start a family.

My passion for cycling will always remain. I'll spend a lot less time on my bike, but I want to take the time to ride with young riders in the region. I wish to engage with them to help them in their journey and tell them about my experience.

Also, I want to remain a good example for everyone who thinks he has a dream that seems unattainable. As I often say, nothing is impossible! "