Michael Mørkøv Biography
Michael Mørkøv Christensen was born on April 30, 1985, in Kokkedal, Denmark. His love for cycling was influenced by his family—both his father and grandfather were TV repairmen who shared a passion for track racing. Growing up in a small town north of Copenhagen, Mørkøv’s father introduced him to the world of velodrome racing, particularly the legendary Six Days of Copenhagen event
What Michael Mørkøv said
“I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved as a track cyclist and a road cyclist. Alongside amazing colleagues, I’ve participated in some of the greatest races in the world. Apart from his group accomplishments, Mørkøv also boasted solo glory as a three-time Danish national champion and a stage winner at the 2013 Vuelta a España. He memorably won stage 6 in a dramatic sprint finish, overtaking Tony Martin just 50 meters from the line in Cáceres.
Recently, Mørkøv’s partnership with Mark Cavendish has been a highlight. On stage five of the Tour de France, he was instrumental in helping Cavendish achieve a record-breaking 35th victory. Mørkøv intends to finish the season with a few races on home roads and tracks. Nonetheless, he still has goals for 2024, which include competing in both the Tour and the track worlds in Ballerup, more success with Cavendish, and the Olympics in Paris.
Mørkøv thanked his family and friends for their support during his career and conveyed his gratitude to them. His son appreciates having a “cool dad” despite feeling a bit sad about his retirement. Michael Mørkøv’s hard work and dedication over 16 years have left a lasting impact on the world of cycling, and his legacy will endure.
Michael Mørkøv Retirement
By the end of 2024, Michael Mørkøv will have retired from professional cycling. During his career, he became an Olympic and World Champion on the track and one of the best lead-out riders in cycling history.
Mørkøv, 39, shared his retirement news through his team, Astana Qazaqstan. This year, he helped Mark Cavendish win a record-breaking 35th Tour de France stage. Beginning his World Tour career in 2009 with Saxo Bank, Mørkøv went on to ride with the Katusha and QuickStep teams from 2018 to 2023. He helped top riders like Elia Viviani, Sam Bennett, Fabio Jakobsen, and Cavendish win many races.
On the track, Mørkøv won three Madison world titles and an Olympic Gold, partnering with Alex Rasmussen and later Lasse Norman Hansen. He is proud of his achievements as a track and road cyclist and values the friendships he made along the way.
Mørkøv also won the Danish national championship three times and a stage at the Vuelta a España in 2013. He played a key role in Cavendish’s recent successes, including Tour de France wins in 2021 and 2024. 
Also Read: USA Cycling Downhill National Series 2024
Mørkøv will race for the last time in Denmark at the end of the season but still aims for more success in 2024. He looks forward to the Tour de France, Track Worlds in Ballerup, and the Paris Olympics, where he will compete in both track and road races.
Mørkøv thanked his family for their support, especially his wife, who helped him balance professional cycling and family life. He mentioned that his son would miss having a “cool dad” who is a bike rider.
Reflecting on his career, Mørkøv said he worked hard to achieve his potential and feels proud of his accomplishments. He noted the increased competition from younger riders and recognized it was time to retire.
After his career, Mørkøv hopes to stay involved in cycling, using his experience and knowledge to contribute to the sport. He plans to figure out his future during the autumn and aims to finish his career at the World Championship in Ballerup in October and the New Year’s Eve rally in December, ending where his professional journey began.
Michael Mørkøv track cycling achievements
- Madison (Olympic Games)
- Gold Medal: In the Madison event at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, partnered with Lasse Norman Hansen.
- Madison (World Championships)
- Gold Medals: He secured gold medals in the Madison event at the World Championships in 2009, 2020, and 2021.
- Team Pursuit: Mørkøv also won a gold medal in the team pursuit at the 2009 World Championships.
- European Championships
- In the European Championships, he clinched the Madison gold in 2019 and 2024.
- Additionally, he earned a team pursuit bronze in 2011.
Michael Mørkøv road cycling achievements
- National Time Trial Champion
- In 2005, Mørkøv became the national time trial champion in Denmark.
- Grand Tours
- Vuelta a España: He won an individual stage in the 2013 Vuelta a España.
- One-Day Races and Classics
- National Road Race Championships: Mørkøv secured victories in the Danish national road race championships in 2013, 2018, and 2019.
- Paris–Tours: He finished second in the Paris–Tours race in 2013.
- Danmark Rundt (Tour of Denmark): Mørkøv achieved third place overall in 2011.
- Tour de Luxembourg: He finished third overall in the Tour de Luxembourg in 2014.
FAQs
When is Michael Mørkøv retiring?
Michael Mørkøv, the acclaimed Danish cyclist, will retire from professional cycling at the end of 2024.
What notable achievements did he have during his career?
Throughout his career, Mørkøv achieved success as both an Olympic and World Champion on the track. He was also known as one of the finest lead-out riders in cycling history. Notably, he won three Madison world titles and an Olympic Gold, partnering with Alex Rasmussen and later with Lasse Norman Hansen. On the road, he secured victories, including a stage win at the Vuelta a España in 2013.
What are his plans for 2024 before retiring?
Mørkøv still has ambitions for 2024, including more success with Mark Cavendish at the Tour de France, track worlds in Ballerup, and the Paris Olympics, where he will compete in both track and road races. His final races will take place on home roads and tracks at the end of the season.