Spanish cyclist Jesús Herrada will retire from professional cycling following the Vuelta a España, bringing an end to a 16-year career featuring 21 victories.
The rider from Cuenca in central Spain announced his decision in an emotional letter released by his team, Burgos-Burpellet BH, describing his upcoming appearance in the Spanish grand tour as a last dance.
Herrada stated in the letter that he was leaving the sport with a full heart after nearly two decades as a professional and many more years competing since childhood. He began racing as a boy alongside his brothers Fernando and José. His brother José also became a professional cyclist, and the two brothers competed as teammates at both Movistar and Cofidis.
Herrada turned professional in 2011 during a period when the Spanish squad Movistar was competing for top standing in the UCI WorldTour. Early in his career, observers viewed him as a potential contender for grand tour general classifications, but he ultimately built a long and successful career as a versatile stage winner and breakaway specialist.
A history of success at the Vuelta a España
The Vuelta a España has played a central role throughout Herrada's career. Over his seven previous appearances in Spain's premier stage race, he secured three stage victories, most recently winning a stage at Laguna Negra in 2023. He also wore the race leader's red jersey for two days during the 2018 edition.
The upcoming Vuelta will mark Herrada's eighth participation in the race and his 17th Grand Tour start overall. To date, he has completed 16 Grand Tours, comprising eight appearances at the Tour de France, one at the Giro d'Italia, and seven at the Vuelta. His standout 2019 season saw him win a Vuelta stage at Ares del Maestrat and claim the overall title at the Tour of Luxembourg alongside two stage wins.
National championships and career achievements
Herrada also established an exceptional record at the Spanish National Road Race Championships. He won the national road race title twice and earned eight total podium finishes at the event, including two runner-up finishes and four third-place results, establishing himself as one of the most consistent competitors in the national championship.
His career palmarès also features notable international victories, including a stage win at the Critérium du Dauphiné and a victory at the Mont Ventoux Dénivelé Challenge in France. Alongside these triumphs, Herrada collected approximately ten additional victories in races across Spain and France over the course of his 16 professional seasons.
The Vuelta a España is one of road cycling's three three-week Grand Tours, alongside the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia. Herrada's final appearance in the event with Burgos-Burpellet BH will conclude a professional journey that began with Movistar in 2011 and included a long stint with French team Cofidis before his final chapter with his current Spanish squad.
