Portuguese cycling icon Rui Costa announced his retirement Friday at 39, prompting a wave of tributes from athletes, notably Olympic champion Rui Oliveira, who credited Costa with significantly shaping his career.
Oliveira called Costa “an idol since always, a teammate and especially a friend,” acknowledging his critical role in helping him adapt to the WorldTour and offering invaluable advice.
He added that Costa’s guidance made him “a better person and better athlete.” Oliveira expressed immense pride in sharing many moments with Costa, calling him “a world champion on and off the bike.”
Costa, the 2013 world road race champion, retires with 33 career victories, including three Tour de France stages and one Vuelta stage in 2023. He remains Portugal’s only road race world champion.
Rui Oliveira, who won Madison gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics alongside Iúri Leitão, and Rui Costa both represent milestones in Portuguese cycling, being among the nation’s first non-athletics Olympic champions.
Oliveira and Costa were teammates at UAE Emirates from 2019 to 2022. Another prominent Portuguese cyclist, Nelson Oliveira, also rode with Costa at Lampre-Merida between 2014 and 2015.
Nelson Oliveira, who holds the record for most Grand Tour appearances by a Portuguese rider, thanked Costa for sharing “good and some bad moments,” calling him “an example for many.”
The announcement drew reactions from across the sports world. Olympic judoka Telma Monteiro, MotoGP rider Miguel Oliveira, and two-time Olympic medalist canoeist Fernando Pimenta were among those expressing their admiration.
Fernando Pimenta stated he was “incredulous and sad” about the news.
Former international footballer Pepe, who recently took up cycling and rode with Costa, praised him for closing “an incredible chapter” that will “remain as inspiration for all of us.”
Costa, who hails from Póvoa de Varzim, turned professional in 2007 and concluded his career with EF Education-EasyPost.
His extensive career included three Olympic Games appearances in London 2012, Rio 2016, and Paris 2024. He also secured three national road race titles (2015, 2020, 2024) and two national time trial titles (2010, 2013).
Additionally, Costa claimed three consecutive Tour de Suisse victories from 2012 to 2014. Reflecting on his career, Costa stated he felt “blessed” to have lived out his dream in the sport.