Big surprise: Simon Yates (33) puts an immediate end to his career

Quite a shock went through the cycling world Wednesday afternoon. Simon Yates announced that he would stop as a professional cyclist with immediate effect. The Brit, who won the Giro d'Italia about six months ago, announced this through his team Visma | Lease a Bike.

In an X-message, the Brit explains his decision. "Dear all, I have made the decision to retire from professional cycling," Yates said. "This may come as a surprise to many, but it is not a decision I have made lightly. I have been thinking about it for a long time, and it now feels like the right moment to step away from the sport."

"Cycling has been part of my life for as long as I can remember," the 2025 Giro winner continued. "From racing on the track at the Manchester Velodrome, to competing and winning on the biggest stage and representing my country at the Olympic Games, it has shaped every chapter of my life."

Yates is proud of what he has accomplished. "nd equally grateful for the lessons that came with it. While the victories will always stand out, the harder days and setbacks were just as important. They taught me resilience and patience, and made the successes mean even more."

Of course, grateful words also follow: "To everyone who has supported me along the way, from the staff to my teammates, your unwavering belief and loyalty made it possible for me to realise my own dreams. Whenever I doubted myself, you never did. Thank you."

Visma | Lease a Bike showed immediate understanding for the decision to quit. "To my team, Team Visma–Lease a Bike, thank you for your understanding and support of my decision to stop now. You gave me the opportunity to rewrite my history, and through trust and belief, we did it together. Thank you."

"To my family, you shared the sacrifices that came with this sport. The absences and missed birthdays were never easy, yet you understood what this journey meant to me and supported it wholeheartedly. I owe you more than I can ever properly express. Thank you," it sounds.

It is now time for a new era in Yates' life. "I step away from professional cycling with deep pride and a sense of peace. This chapter has given me more than I ever imagined. Memories and moments that will stay with me long after the racing ends and for whatever comes next."

"Thank you for the journey," signed: Simon Yates.