Shocking news: Caleb Ewan decides to quit cycling immediately, just six months after signing with INEOS Grenadiers

In an open letter, Ewan shared his thoughts: “After a lot of reflection, I’ve decided to retire from cycling with immediate effect,” said the Australian sprinter. “This sport has shaped my life, carved my path, and given me experiences I’ll carry with me forever. Over the course of my 11-year career, I’ve achieved more than I ever imagined possible. From personal highlights to professional accomplishments, this journey has exceeded every expectation, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities, challenges, and growth that have shaped my life.”

Ewan began his career at Orica GreenEDGE, where he spent six seasons before moving to Lotto Soudal in 2019. There, he claimed five Tour de France stage wins. After returning to his former team briefly, he signed with INEOS Grenadiers for the 2024 season. It’s been quite a journey for the 'Pocket Rocket.' “For as long as I can remember, my world has revolved around cycling,” Ewan continued. “The intense routine, the sacrifices, the relentless pursuit of improvement, the hunger to win, it’s been my rhythm, my identity. But what once meant everything to me, no longer does.”

The real drive to win had faded, and the thrill of racing was no longer what it once was. But INEOS Grenadiers gave the Australian what he needed. “The past few years haven’t been easy, but in 2025 I found something again, not just my legs, but also my belief, thanks to INEOS Grenadiers. They gave me the space, the trust, and the environment to rediscover myself and see what I was still capable of. I felt like myself again and I felt respected. I can’t thank them enough for that.”

“But the truth is that even when I crossed the finish line first, that feeling, the one you chase for years, faded faster than it used to. My experiences over the past two seasons, especially the second half of 2024, had a huge impact on my relationship with the sport.” Ewan had tried to rediscover his former form at Jayco-AlUla, but the marriage with his beloved Australian team quickly unraveled. “I’m glad I didn’t let that period define the end of my career, and I’m proud of what I achieved in a short but successful stint with INEOS Grenadiers.”

Thanks to the British team, Ewan was able to leave the sport on his own terms, and that, to him, was the most important thing. He took stage wins at the Settimana Coppi e Bartali and the Tour of the Basque Country. “You helped me write my final chapter the way I wanted to. Because of you, I was able to say goodbye with pride, on my own terms. The team is absolutely on the right track with a great future ahead, and I look forward to supporting them in the years to come.”

In total, Ewan racked up an impressive 65 professional victories, including five stage wins in the Tour de France, five in the Giro d’Italia, and one in the Vuelta a España. He also claimed nine wins at the Tour Down Under, three at the UAE Tour, as well as titles at Scheldeprijs and the Brussels Cycling Classic. He finished second twice at Milan–San Remo. His most successful years came during his time with Lotto Soudal, but after 2022 his results tapered off, he added just six more victories in total.