Portuguese cycling legend Rui Costa, the nation’s sole road world champion, has retired at age 39, prompting widespread tributes from national sports bodies acknowledging his “exemplary and inspiring” career.
The Portuguese Sports Confederation saluted Costa for his “exemplary and inspiring career.” Daniel Monteiro, president of the Confederation, highlighted Costa’s impact on national sport.
Monteiro described Costa as “a cyclist with remarkable intelligence and race reading, being a very complete and versatile athlete, who enhanced the history of cycling and Portuguese sport.” The Confederation recognized his historic role and thanked him for the joys and values he personified.
The Portuguese Cycling Federation also paid homage, noting that Costa leaves “a legacy that will never be forgotten.” The federation praised his “journey marked by talent, consistency and exemplary dedication to Portuguese cycling.”
Costa himself expressed feeling “blessed” to have lived a dream that included three stage victories in the Tour de France.
His 2013 Road World Championship title remains a unique achievement for Portugal. Across his career, he secured 33 professional victories.
Costa won the Tour de Suisse three consecutive times between 2012 and 2014. He also claimed a stage victory in the 2023 Vuelta a España and the 2011 Grand Prix de Montreal.
His professional career began in 2007 and spanned multiple top-tier teams. These included Caisse d’Epargne (later Movistar), Lampre-Merida, UAE Emirates, Intermarché-Circus-Wanty, and EF Education-EasyPost.
Costa was a three-time Olympian, competing in London 2012, Rio 2016, and Paris 2024. He also held national titles, including three road race championships (2015, 2020, 2024) and two time trial championships (2010, 2013).
He participated in 18 Grand Tours, with his best overall finish being 18th in the 2012 Tour de France. The Portuguese Olympic Committee also honored Costa, calling him “one of the references of national sport.”