"Visa issues caused stress few can understand": After Kirsch, another of Pedersen’s lead-out men leaves Lidl-Trek

Gibbons, a highly regarded rider in the peloton, shared his story on Instagram. “I would like to announce that 2025 will be my last season as a professional cyclist. Many factors led to my decision, and I have struggled with it for many months, but I think now is the time to let go of the numbers and end my career.”

“Cycling has been my identity for more than half of my life,” said the rider, who also rode for UAE and Dimension Data. "It is my passion, my goal, and my profession. I have been privileged to live my dream for the past 10 years, racing and living abroad. I have had the honor of racing in the biggest races, for some of the best teams, alongside the greatest riders in the sport.

“I've been to so many different places, experienced amazing things, and been part of great successes. I've met the most incredible people and made lifelong friends. Cycling allowed me to do things that were beyond my wildest dreams and live a life I could never have imagined. I will always be grateful for that,” he says.

There is a “but” in Gibbons' story. “As every athlete knows, there are also many setbacks, and I've had more than my share of injuries, illnesses, and just plain bad luck. Professional sports are about resilience, sacrifice, and overcoming constant adversity. People often only see the romanticized highlights of the sport, not the hard work, disappointments, and struggles behind the scenes.”

“Coming from South Africa also presented major challenges in pursuing this career,” he explains. “I've had to live on the other side of the world, away from my friends, family, culture, and home. Residency and visa issues have caused constant and endless struggles and stress that many will never understand or comprehend.”

"I want to thank everyone who believed in me, supported me, and brought me to where I am today. To all the teams I rode for and the hard-working, professional staff who took care of me every day, to my teammates and colleagues in the peloton. We suffered together, we won together, and we lost together. I have a lot of respect for every one of you, and I am humbled and proud to have shared this experience with you.

"I am grateful to my family and friends who have always encouraged, motivated, and supported me. And finally, to my wife and son... this life has not been easy or simple, and your sacrifice and unconditional love have carried me through. You have seen the highest highs and the lowest lows and have been there every step of the way. I can never thank you enough," he concludes.