Cycling stalwart Tim 'El Tractor' Declercq announces his retiring from the sport following a dedicated 14-year career of dedicated teamwork.
Tim Declercq, affectionately known as 'El Tractor', has announced his retirement from professional cycling at the end of the 2025 season. The 37-year-old Belgian cyclist, renowned for his selfless work as a domestique, has spent the past 14 years supporting some of the sport's biggest names in the cobbled Classics and Grand Tours.
Declercq's career highlights include winning the under-23 Belgian national title in 2011 and spending five years at Topsport Vlaanderen, followed by seven years with QuickStep (2017-2023), and a brief stint with Lidl-Trek towards the end of his career.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Declercq shared a gallery of photographs spanning his cycling career, expressing gratitude for the unforgettable memories, incredible highs and lows, and lifelong friendships that cycling provided him. He thanked all the teams he rode for, every teammate who stood beside him, the dedicated staff who supported him, and his family, especially his wife, Tracey De Bruyne.
Declercq's peers in the peloton also paid tribute to his career. Mark Cavendish, for whom Declercq rode at QuickStep in 2021 and 2022, expressed gratitude for his loyalty, hard work, and camaraderie. Remco Evenepoel, Mads Pedersen, and Geraint Thomas also took to Instagram to express their appreciation for Declercq's contributions to their careers.
The lack of professional wins did not diminish Declercq's reputation as a dependable and powerful domestique. He was celebrated for his ability to ride long and hard on the front of the peloton to close down breakaways and set up his team's sprinter. Despite not winning a race, Declercq's work was instrumental in securing victories for his teammates, including Marcel Kittel and Mark Cavendish.
Declercq rode the Tour de Wallonie this week, planning to ride a similar calendar of races before retiring in the final races of the 2025 season. As he prepares for his new adventures after retirement, he wished happiness and joy to his former teammate, Remco Evenepoel, in his future life.
Lidl-Trek did not offer Declercq a contract extension, leading to his decision to retire. Declercq hinted at retirement during a guest appearance on the Sporza Vive le Vélo Tour de France chat show. Despite the end of his professional career, Declercq's impact on the world of cycling will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
In light of his retirement from professional cycling, Declercq may find solace in exploring other sports, such as football, where he can apply his teamwork skills and dedication. Reflecting on his career, he can look back not just on his wins but also on the valuable camaraderie he built within the sports community, including football enthusiasts.
