The former Dunedin-based rider has retired from a 15-year professional career. Henderson, 41 next month, leaves the sport as one of New Zealand's most decorated cyclists.
He represented New Zealand at the Olympic Games five times, went to four Commonwealth Games and multiple world championships. He won gold in the scratch race at the world championships in Melbourne in 2004 to go with the silver he won a year earlier in the madison. He has a gold and three Commonwealth Games medals as well.
On the road he found a niche as one of the best leadout men on the circuit. He competed at the gruelling Tour de France five times and formed a formidable partnership with Andre Greipel at Lotto-Soudal. The pair combined for ''about 100 wins together'' during Henderson's five-year stint with the team from 2012.
On his website, Henderson thanked his supporters. At the top of his list were his mother and father, Gail and Bob, who live in Dunedin.
''I can honestly say I wouldn't have got where I am today without the support of Mum and Dad.
''Every weekend we had the BMX bikes on the bike rack from the age of 5 and we were off racing for the next 11 years. To have parents that invested that much time into the sport that I loved was instrumental.''
Former coach Terry Gyde was also an influential figure whose encouragement and faith had been inspirational, while his wife, Katie, ''was always my biggest supporter''.
The couple have two children and live in Boulder, Colorado, where Henderson hopes to build up his coaching business.
He has been planning his exit from the sport for the past 18 months, so yesterday's announcement was no surprise.
But while Henderson has officially retired, he told the Otago Daily Times he does have one last commitment. He will compete in the Tour of Southland but mainly to farewell his supporters in Dunedin and in the South.
''I want my very last governed race, so to speak, to be where I grew up, basically.
''I'm not classing myself as racing, to be honest. I'll be participating.''
He might say that but Henderson also acknowledged he would miss competing terribly. It would not be a surprise if he claimed the odd stage win.
''I'm competitive by nature. Just ask anyone who knows me, I'd race two flies up the wall.''
Henderson hopes to harness that competitive drive and put it into helping the next generation. He is negotiating for a role with the United States track team but has not ruled out returning to New Zealand at some stage.
