Photos: Fabian Cancellara's big farewell

Fabian Cancellara greeted the crowd that joined him at the velodrome in Gent, Belgium for his big retirement party. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Filippo Pozzato took to the track as part of the festivities, showing off his extensive tattoo collection. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Iljo Keisse, who often rides the track in the wintertime, came out to race in Gent. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

There was plenty of star power at Saturday’s event, but the sold-out crowd came to see the man called “Spartacus.” Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Bradley Wiggins was at the “Ciao Fabian!” event, and he rolled onto the track to challenge Cancellara to a pursuit race. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Cancellara accelerated off the line, in pursuit of Wiggins. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

On the other side of the track, Wiggins was sporting some very odd-shaped handlebars. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Wiggins lost to Cancellara, but it would have been a little rude to beat a man at his own retirement race, right? Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Cancellara was probably Belgium’s most popular bartender on Saturday. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Seeing Cancellara on the track makes you wonder what would have happened if he’d decided to have a go at the hour record. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Bradley Wiggins is also rolling into retirement this fall, having raced the London six-day as his own farewell event. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Cancellara joined Belgian cyclocross legend Sven Nys on the podium. Both Trek athletes, the two shared a laugh. Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

What’s next for Fabian? Perhaps he’ll front a new cycling-themed rock band? Photo: Tim De Waele | TDWsport.com

Photos: Fabian Cancellara’s big farewell

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