Gert Jõeäär
An Estonian cycling workhorse whose powerful legs and relentless pace made him a national champion and a durable fixture in the European peloton.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Estonian cyclist·Birthday: July 9·Millennials
Biography
Gert Jõeäär carved out a respectable career in professional cycling not as a flashy stage winner, but as a dependable engine. His physique and riding style were built for power, making him a formidable force in time trials and a valuable domestique in the mountains. He rose through the ranks of the continental circuit, with his consistency earning him a coveted spot on the French Pro Continental team Cofidis for four seasons. There, he supported leaders in grueling stage races like the Vuelta a España. While his time at the WorldTour level was limited, his legacy in Estonia is secure, captured by multiple national time trial titles. Jõeäär’s career exemplifies the vast middle tier of professional sports—athletes whose names may not headline grand tours, but whose sheer effort and specialization are essential to the sport's ecosystem.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Gert was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Gert Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Gert's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Estonian National Time Trial Championships four times (2012, 2014, 2015, 2017).
- Competed in the Vuelta a España in 2014 as a member of the Cofidis team.
- Rode professionally for four seasons with UCI Pro Continental team Cofidis from 2013 to 2016.
- Secured multiple victories and podium finishes in stage races on the UCI Europe Tour.
Did You Know?
He continued his cycling career with Estonian amateur team CFC Spordiklubi after his professional stint.
Jõeäär is known for his tall and powerful build, which is atypical for pure climbers but ideal for time trialing.
He represented Estonia in the road race at the 2016 UCI Road World Championships.
“My strength is my engine, and I use it for the team every time.”
