'It's the last one for me, that's for sure' - Final Paris-Roubaix for Luke Durbridge as Australian announces impending retirement

Luke Durbridge has announced that the 2026 season will be his final year as a professional cyclist, with his retirement set to follow the Australian Road National Championships in January 2027. The 31-year-old Australian has spent his entire 17-year career with the Jayco-AlUla team, previously known as GreenEDGE Cycling, joining as a neo-pro in 2012 shortly after winning the junior world time trial title. His decision to retire marks the end of an era not only for himself but also for the team, as he is the last remaining member of its original roster. Durbridge’s career highlights include multiple national titles, with four victories in the time trial and two on the road, as well as significant success in his under-23 years. He has proved to be a versatile and reliable team rider, participating in 16 Grand Tours, including 11 editions of the Tour de France. Notably, he achieved a second-place finish on the final stage of the 2015 Giro d’Italia and a top-ten stage finish at the Tour de France the following year. Throughout his career, Durbridge has been known for his work ethic and adaptability across various race types and terrains. The recent Paris-Roubaix marked Durbridge’s 11th and final participation in the iconic cobbled classic. Reflecting on his experience, he described his initial race as terrifying but acknowledged that familiarity with the event has brought a more measured approach. He highlighted the advances in equipment and race strategy that have changed how riders tackle the cobbles, including the use of wider tyres and more shock-absorbing bikes. Despite a recent illness that affected his form earlier in the Spring Classics, Durbridge was proud to complete the race alongside his teammates, marking a fitting end to his Roubaix journey. Durbridge’s announcement has been met with respect and gratitude from his team and the cycling community, recognising his contributions and longevity in the sport. He expressed emotional satisfaction at finishing Paris-Roubaix and looks forward to concluding his career on home soil at the national championships. His retirement will leave a significant gap in the Jayco-AlUla team, which has relied on his experience and dedication for nearly two decades. As the 2026 season unfolds, fans and colleagues alike will watch closely to celebrate the final chapter of a distinguished professional career.