New Zealand champion and former Visma talent Kim Cadzow retires from cycling at 24

New Zealand champion Kim Cadzow has decided to bring her professional cycling career to an immediate end at the age of 24. The rider, who represented Jumbo-Visma in 2023 and was still competing in the Giro d’Italia Women only a few weeks ago, has ended her contract with EF Education-Oatly and will not return to racing, she announced on social media.

“I have decided to bring my professional cycling career to an end. I don’t feel old enough to say I’m retiring, but I can say that I won’t be coming back,” began Cadzow, who spent four seasons racing at WorldTour level.

“I ran countless scenarios through my head, such as only competing in time trials, and I was incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to spend a short period as part of the New Zealand track cycling team. But being on my bike was no longer my happy place, and every day it started to feel more and more like a punishment,” she wrote.

“I love sport. It is my life, and I never wanted to walk away from it feeling hatred. Although my career was short, taking up cycling at 19 and reaching the Olympic Games three years later was more than I could ever have dreamed of. I am incredibly grateful for that,” Cadzow continued.

“Thank you to everyone who supported me and was part of my journey. Coaches, teammates, family, friends, sponsors and New Zealand. Nothing compared to wearing the fern on my back 🌿,” she said, referring to her country’s national symbol.

Cadzow concluded with a message for the next generation. “To all the young female riders... keep your friends close and your family even closer. Build a circle of support around you and lean on them, because once you are finished, they are the people who will still be standing beside you.”

Cadzow competed in the Giro d’Italia Women twice and La Vuelta Femenina once. She was not scheduled to ride the Tour de France Femmes, which begins on Saturday.