Luke Cerebral after a broken rib, ready to end his season and his career.

Luka Mezgec, a Slovenian cyclist competing for the Australian team Jayco-AlUla, has announced his intention to retire from professional cycling after this season following a rib fracture sustained during a crash earlier this year. The 29-year-old from Kranj will participate in the Polish Road Race, which runs from Monday through Sunday, marking his return to competitive racing nearly five months after the incident. Mezgec suffered three broken ribs and a pneumothorax during a fall on the final kilometers of the one-day race Scheldeprijs, held in the Netherlands and Belgium on April 9. Mezgec confirmed his readiness to compete in the Polish event, stating he would gain more insight into his physical condition during the race. He emphasized that his altitude training had been successful, particularly in the last week before the event. Speaking at the Pogi Challenge in Komenda ahead of the race, Mezgec told Slovenian media that he felt physically prepared and confident in his ability to handle the demands of competition despite minor breathing difficulties. The cyclist secured third place in Friday's criterium organized by Tadej Pogačar, further reinforcing his belief that he is ready for high-intensity efforts. Reflecting on his current state, Mezgec remarked, “So far, everything is super. Even though I’m missing half a liter in my inhalation, I can still survive these two months without retiring.” Mezgec’s injury occurred during the Scheldeprijs race, where he fell on his back in the final kilometers, resulting in multiple fractures and a lung puncture. Despite the severity of the injury, he has made a swift recovery and is now preparing for the remainder of the season with the goal of concluding his career. As he approaches the end of his professional journey, Mezgec expressed excitement about participating in the European Championships, which will take place in Slovenia. The event will serve as a tribute to a generation of Slovenian cyclists. Mezgec shared his enthusiasm for the race course, noting that it was familiar territory for him. He recalled starting his training on these very roads in his youth and believed that hosting such a prestigious event on them would provide a fitting finale to his career. Mezgec became the first Slovenian to win a stage at the Giro d'Italia in 2014, marking a significant milestone in his career. His decision to retire comes after years of dedication to the sport, during which he has competed internationally and represented Slovenia with distinction. The Polish Road Race will be Mezgec’s final appearance in a professional race before he transitions into retirement. His participation in the European Championships will offer fans and fellow athletes an opportunity to witness his skills one last time on home soil. The event is expected to draw attention from across Europe, highlighting the significance of the occasion for both Mezgec and the broader cycling community in Slovenia. Mezgec’s career has spanned over a decade, during which he has faced numerous challenges, including injuries and setbacks. However, his resilience and determination have allowed him to continue competing at a high level. As he prepares for his final races, he remains focused on delivering strong performances and leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.