“Every year at this time, my knees remind me of how far I have come,” said Vincenzo Nibali during a recent interview. For the first time, the former champion spoke openly about his health and the physical consequences of a long career.

A major figure in Italian cycling, Nibali made history with his victories in the biggest races. However, behind the successes and celebrations, he explains that his body retains the memory of the accumulated efforts.

The Tour de France winner described recurring pain in his joints, particularly when the seasons change. According to him, these signals are not alarming, but they recall the intensity of the years spent at the highest level.

He insists that cycling remains essential to his balance. Getting on a bike is much more than a sport for him, it’s a way of breathing, thinking and maintaining a deep connection with his identity.

However, he recognizes that this demanding passion can also come at a cost. Daily training, successive competitions and constant travel gradually put a strain on his joints, sometimes beyond ideal limits.

Nibali points out that many young runners today aspire to long and intense careers. He encourages them to listen to their body, not to ignore the first signs of chronic fatigue or persistent pain.

According to him, if cyclists engage in high-level competition for more than five years without appropriate recovery periods, certain joint disorders can appear gradually and influence their quality of life.

He particularly mentions the indirect impact on personal life. Constant pain, accumulated fatigue and the demands of the schedule can weigh on family and marital relationships, especially when dialogue is lacking.

For Nibali, the key is balance. He says performance should not overshadow long-term health or emotional stability. A successful career is not measured by trophies alone.

In his tstmony, he specifies that he does not wish to dramatize. He speaks from experience, with serenity, aware that each athlete has a different background and resistance to physical constraints.

The former Giro d’Italia champion recalls that medical and scientific progress today offers better support. The teams have specialists capable of anticipating and preventing certain pathologies linked to repeated effort.

He nevertheless insists on individual responsibility. Learning to slow down, accept a break or adapt your training can extend a career and preserve long-term health.

The public received his confidences with attention. Many have praised the frankness of an athlete often perceived as discreet about his personal life and his possible physical weaknesses.

In the current peloton, several runners recognized themselves in his words. Discussions around recovery, mental preparation and injury prevention now take center stage.

Among the reactions, that of Julian Alaphilippe particularly attracted attention. The French champion broke the silence with a simple and empathetic message addressed to his elder brother.

In eleven carefully chosen words, Alaphilippe expressed his respect and support, recalling that the experience of elders constitutes a precious wealth for subsequent generations.

According to people close to him, this comment made Nibali smile. He saw proof that cycling, beyond competition, remains a community where solidarity can be expressed with sincerity.

Nibali explained that his remarks were not intended to worry, but to raise awareness. He wants to encourage a more considered approach to intensive training among young talents.

He observes that modern calendars are particularly dense. Competitions come quickly, sometimes leaving little time for complete recovery between two major objectives.

The former winner of the Vuelta a España emphasizes that the longevity of an athlete often depends on his ability to manage these periods of transition with prudence and lucidity.

He also recalls the importance of family support. During his career, the understanding of those close to him played an essential role in getting through moments of doubt and fatigue.

Today, even after leaving the highest level of competition, he continues to feel the effects of past efforts. This does not prevent him from pedaling regularly, but with a more measured approach.

He explains that maturity brings a new perspective. Where he once sought to constantly push his limits, he now prioritizes listening to his body and preventing chronic pain.

His testimony opened a constructive debate in the world of cycling. Coaches, doctors and managers are considering strategies to further protect athletes from their first professional years.

Nibali says sustainable performance relies on smart planning. Alternating intensity and rest, diversifying exercises and integrating rigorous medical monitoring have become essential.

It also highlights the importance of mental health. Competitive stress can amplify the perception of physical pain and complicate injury management if the athlete feels isolated.

Alaphilippe’s words resonated like a bridge between generations. They show that mutual respect remains a strong value in an often demanding and strategic sport.

Nibali concluded by saying that he regrets nothing. Occasional pain is, he says, a reflection of total commitment to a passion that has shaped his life.

He simply hopes that young runners can benefit from better prevention and attentive support, in order to avoid certain complications in the long term.

For many, this speaking out represents an act of responsibility. She reminds us that sporting legends also have an educational role with new generations.

By sharing his experience, Vincenzo Nibali offers a valuable perspective on the physical reality of professional cycling, without denying the deep love he has for the sport.

Its main message remains optimistic. He believes in the ability of modern teams to adapt their methods and promote a balanced career, respectful of health and personal life.

In the caring gaze of Julian Alaphilippe and in the attentive listening of the public, Nibali found confirmation: speaking openly about health does not weaken a champion, it strengthens his legacy.

Thus, through simple and measured words, the former figure of the peloton reminds that the greatness of an athlete lies as much in his victories as in his ability to transmit a sincere experience.