Wednesday night, Cult Energy Pro Cycling’s sports director, Luke Roberts drew the final curtain on a glorious active career. With the titles Olympic, World and multiple national champion, it is no understatement to say that Luke made his mark on the world of cycling and can leave take off the helmet with his head held high.
His last race of the career before joining the Luxembourg-Denmark team was the Six Day race in Bremen. The race was won by Alex Rasmussen and Marcel Kalz. Here is how he experienced his final race during the sixday race in Bremen Wednesday night:
“As the final 60 minute Madison started, I found myself counting each minute down, which confirmed to me I am ready to end my career and would be happy that I wouldn’t have to suffer in a bike race again. When the race finished I had a very surreal experience. I sat down on a chair with my face in a towel and tears in my eyes and it seemed as though 25 years of memories flashed through my mind in the space of a few minutes.”
“It was extremely emotional. I certainly have some sad feelings concerning my career stop. It was sad seeing my daughters cheer for me and knowing it would be the final time. However, I am proud of my achievements and can happily close the book on my cycling career, then go into the next stage of my life with my head held high,” he says.
When asked about the major highlights of a long lasting career there is no doubt for the experienced Australian. The gold medal in the Athens Olympics in 2004.
“The major highlight of my career was winning the Olympic Gold Medal in Athens. It was my childhood dream fulfilled and no other victory overwhelmed me with so much emotion that it was hard to look happy. Another great memory was my first Tour de France in 2005 with Team CSC and realizing another childhood dream.”
Now, Luke Roberts takes on the job as a sports director for the pro continental team, Cult Energy Pro Cycling and the 37-year-old Aussie s looking forward to the time behind the wheels of the team car and being close to the riders:
“What I mostly look forward to with my new job is not needing to make the sacrifices I had to as an athlete. I could never ice skate with my daughters at a Christmas Market for fear of injuring myself in a fall but I will most certainly be putting some skates on next December. My ambition with Cult Energy Pro Cycling is to help each and every rider achieve the maximum with their ability. I want that my riders are happy and enjoy racing together. The success will follow automatically because good energy always wins," concludes Roberts.
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