After much thought I would like to announce that I will be hanging up my wheels as a professional cyclist. Eleven years and fourteen grand tours later, I count myself lucky to have lived this incredible journey; my dream from a young age. As a pro, your daily life is structured in training blocks, training camps, and race days. It's really only since looking at everything retrospectively that I can find the words to contextualize. Back in high school, I had an English teacher who had us write letters to ourselves. We were supposed to write about what we wanted to do, and where we wanted to be in life, in one, five and ten years. I was slightly embarrassed at the time to present my letters to the class, because my goals were, by far, the most outlandish. I wanted to be a pro cyclist, I wanted to live in Europe, and I wanted to compete in all the biggest races in the world. The letters were self addressed, and would be sent out to us at the corresponding dates. Over time I forgot about the letters, but I had a fun surprise when they reemerged in my parent's mailbox. Over my career, I felt at times what seemed like the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows. Amongst the ups and downs of a long career, these letters arrived as a perfect juxtaposition against the noise. They offered a sense of confirmation, as I actually did everything I ever dreamed of doing, and even more. I rode in the top teams, I competed on the world's largest stage, and I had the honor to be a teammate of some of the sport's true legends. What I couldn't have imagined though, is all the intangibles which came along with that. I learned to live in a foreign country, and speak another language. I cultivated friendships with people from all over the globe. And cycling gave me insight into how the best in their field get to the top, and the work it takes to stay there. All of these things gave me a unique perspective, and I got an education that money could never buy. I know that part of my success as a cyclist comes from doing what I loved. Cycling also taught me that those that go the farthest in life, often love what they do, and know where they want to go. I do feel lucky that during my time as a rider, I developed a number of defined interests. I'm looking forward to exploring everything that interests me and soon enough it will be time to write another set of letters to myself. A career isn't built alone, and there are many people to thank. First and foremost my family and friends who have been at my side every step of the way. Mentors and coaches who have guided me in the right direction, teams and people who believed in me, and fans who followed along throughout my career. Thank you to everyone who has played their part in the journey. It has been a wild ride. ❤️ Lastly, if you would like to follow along with what I do next drop your email in the link below: joedombrowski.substack.com

Giro time! I’m going to be keeping a diary during this Giro d’Italia for @Cyclingnewsfeed - hope you enjoy my first, and let me know what you would like to hear about for the next ones!

Hit me with some good night time reading suggestions for during my Giro d’Italia. Preferably no cycling. Or Sci-Fi.

At training camp here in Livigno and my team rain bag full of kit and a number of personal items fell out of the back of the team car yesterday near the top of Passo Foscagno. If you find it and return it, it would be greatly appreciated. Jersey and some cash as a reward 🙏🏼 😀

Cycling is interesting to watch for tactics, wind, positioning, dramatic scenery etc... that said, interesting to see how F1 is adapting

Where’s the best MTB riding from Boston?

Just landed in Nice airport, and was stopped at customs. After a few questions they learned I was a pro cyclist and they said they would like search my suitcase, but just so they could see the @rapha blackout kit they’ve heard about. True story! 😂

I told @SeaSucker about my love for old cars and they sent me this rack to play with. 😍 #seasucker #fastestrack

Jouyeux anniversaire à Pierre Rolland - l’un des mecs les plus cool dans le peloton 😎

Congrats @BenKing89 ! A true Virginia gentleman, and man of persistence.

Come join us after the race! xitter.cf/pocsports/status/10286…