Two weeks after his 37th birthday, Robert Gesink extended his contract with Jumbo-Visma through 2024, which means he will play one more season as a professional, and possibly his last.

The Dutchman, who turned pro with the team in 2007, had been contemplating retirement but came to the conclusion that he could run another season.

"My motivation is still high and I am enjoying myself here," Goethink said in the announcement of his contract extension from Jumbo-Visma.

"In December, I agreed with the team to discuss the possibility of retiring from cycling after the Giro. I am grateful that the team management has left the decision completely in my hands." [I have always given my all over the last few years.

Goethink has undergone a turbulent transition from his Rabobank days to Blanco, Belkin, and then Lot NL Yumbo, and since 2019 has become a world-class team as Yumbo Visma.

Gesink started as team leader, finishing fourth in the 2010 Tour de France, sixth in 2015, and three top-10 finishes in the Vuelta a España. He also won the Tour of California, Tour of Oman, Giro delle Miglia, and the Montreal and Quebec GPs.

In recent years, Gesink has turned to a supporting role, and in addition to his runner-up finish at the 2020 Tour, he helped win three consecutive Vuelta titles from 2019 to 2021.

"Robert is an icon of our team and we are grateful to him," said team director Merijn Zeeman.

"He has been a mainstay for many years. His contract extension was a logical decision for us and fortunately he shared this opinion."

Goessink is currently competing in the Tour de Suisse, and the contract extension comes on the day the race arrives in La Punt, where he took a memorable solo stage win in 2010. He missed the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia for COVID-19, but could be in line for a fourth title and a Giro-Vuelta double at the Vuelta.

"My career so far has been a roller coaster ride. I've seen the good and the bad of cycling. I'm happy to share this experience with the young talent on the team."

"I'm looking forward to the next four years, and I'm looking forward to the next four years.