The roar of the crowd, the flash of cameras, the final sprint to the line – these are the images many associate with the end of a professional athlete’s career. But for Ane Santesteban, the closing chapter of her 17-season journey in professional cycling is about something far deeper than just crossing a finish line. As she prepares for her final race this Sunday in Eibar, Santesteban is reflecting on the essence of her sport: The crucial thing is how you run, who you run with and what do you leave on the way.

This philosophy has guided Santesteban throughout a career that saw her establish a consistent presence among the international elite. While her palmarès might not be overflowing with major victories, save for a Spanish championship, her impact extends far beyond individual wins. She has been a steadfast advocate for improved working conditions for female cyclists, a cause that resonates deeply within the sport, much like the fight for equal pay and opportunities in American sports leagues like the WNBA or NWSL.

Santesteban’s decision to retire comes as a surprise to some, especially with a year left on her contract with the Kutxa team. however, for the 34-year-old, the timing feels right. She’s closing a circle that began when she first fell in love with cycling at age 10. I have felt that it was time to stop and start a new life, she stated,expressing a sentiment familiar to many athletes transitioning out of their primary sport.

Her departure leaves a void, but also a legacy. The Kutxa team, which she has been a part of, is already nurturing the next generation. Young talent like Usa Ostolaza, a fellow Basque cyclist who joined Kutxa in 2024 after three seasons with the World Tour’s Jayco team, has benefited from Santesteban’s experience and mentorship. Ostolaza’s presence signifies a promising future for the team and for women’s cycling in the region.

Santesteban’s dream of finishing her career with a “home team” has been realized with Kutxa. A few years ago that would have been unachievable, she admitted,highlighting the significant progress made in professionalizing women’s cycling. And that is why I am so grateful to this team, for having the opportunity to say goodbye to the way I had dreamed. The sight of young women developing their careers on the team is, for her, super gratifying.

The final act in Eibar will be a poignant affair. Santesteban will share the road with Ostolaza, along with teammates Naia Amondarain and Idoia Eraso. The presence of other teams like Grupoan eulen and Zatika further underscores the growing infrastructure and competitive landscape for women’s cycling, a development that mirrors the increasing