Ion Izagirre will close out his professional cycling career this Saturday at the Giro di Lombardia, where Cofidis has outfitted the Basque rider with a custom-painted bicycle featuring his career’s biggest victories and Basque symbols, diariovasco.com reported. The machine arrives just days after Izagirre sustained a wrist injury, marking an emotional farewell for one of the peloton’s most respected stalwarts.
Custom Tributes and Career Victories Painted on the Frame
Large Basque ikurriñas are painted across the fork, the upper stays, and the wheel rims. On the top tube, Cofidis listed Izagirre’s premier career triumphs so he can see them every time he drops his head over the handlebars during the race through the Lombardy mountains. Those listed victories include his two stage wins at the Tour de France, along with individual stage victories at the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España. A graffiti-style inscription reading “Eskerrik asko”—Basque for “thank you”—appears alongside his name on the frame.
Peloton plans guard of honor for Izagirre
The custom bicycle is part of a series of tributes planned for Izagirre’s final day in the professional ranks. Before the flag drops on Saturday, the peloton is expected to form a traditional guard of honor with their bicycles held high.
Ion Izagirre retires at Giro di Lombardia
When and where is Ion Izagirre retiring from professional cycling?
Izagirre concludes his career this Saturday at the Giro di Lombardia, racing through the demanding climbs of northern Italy’s Lombardy region.
Which team did Ion Izagirre ride for during his final seasons?
Izagirre spent the final five seasons of his professional career riding for the French UCI ProTeam Cofidis.
What grand tour victories are highlighted on his custom Cofidis bike?
The frame details his most significant victories, prominently featuring his two career stage wins at the Tour de France, plus individual stage triumphs at the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España.
What symbols of his Basque heritage are featured on the bike?
The bike displays multiple Basque ikurriña flags painted on the fork, upper stays, and wheel rims, alongside a “Eskerrik asko” graphic carrying his name.
