Giro d’Italia winner Simon Yates says farewell to professional cycling

United Kingdom racer Simon Yates has said goodbye to professional cycling after he announced his retirement in a heartfelt message last week.  

Yates cemented himself as one of cycling’s greats when he defied all odds and emerged victorious at the Giro d’Italia last year. 

His final season proved to be one of his best as he also won a stage at the Tour de France just months after his Giro success.  

He leaves the scene at the age of just 33, in a sport that is continuously becoming more high-paced and demanding. 

Not a ‘surprise’ decision  

Yates’ announcement sent shockwaves across the cycling community, considering his successful 2025 season.  

He even attended the presentation of Giro’s 2026 route in Rome last month, telling reporters how much he loved the Corsa Rosa.  

But in a statement released by Team Visma – Lease a Bike, Yates said the idea of retiring had been in his mind for a long time.  

“This may come as a surprise to many, but it is not a decision I have made lightly,” he said.  

He paid tribute to his origins and his love for the sport, saying he was “deeply proud” of his achievements and his setbacks.

He also thanked everyone for their support, adding: “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.”  

Visma praises ‘class rider’ 

In a press release, head of Racing Grischa Niermann praised Yates for being a “class” cyclist as well as “an exceptional climber and general classification rider.” 

“In the Giro, he peaked at a moment when almost no one expected him to be able to win anymore, which truly characterises him as a rider.” 

Sports director Jesper Mørkøv was more direct in an interview with Feltet.dk and Domestique Cycling, saying Yates had grown tired of the demands of modern cycling.  

“First and foremost, it is of course a real shame that he is stopping, but that is how it is. I will not go further into it, but as I understand it, he himself has lost the desire,”  Mørkøv said.  

According to him, modern cycling has been churning out higher demands each year, propped up by marginal gains and constant scrutiny.  

“It takes a lot to be able to compete at the very highest level, and it is really tough. Simon has been in the game for many years, and he has simply grown a bit tired of it.” 

Yates had been part of Visma since 2025 after a years-long stint at Jayco-AlUla, initially with his twin brother Adam. 

Adam joined the UAE Team Emirates – XRG team in 2023. 

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Riders react to shock retirement  

Other riders have reacted to the news, including Matteo Trentin, who previously raced alongside Yates in 2018.  

“You have to be brave to quit. He’s decided to stop and he’s done it with a mic drop. Boom! He’s gone out on top, as a Giro winner. Chapeau,” he told Cyclingnews amid Tudor Pro Cycling’s media day on Wednesday.  

He also mentioned how stressful modern cycling has become, particularly for GC riders targeting stage races and Grand Tours.  

Tudor’s Larry Warbasse, on the other hand, appeared shocked over the announcement, saying: “Are you kidding? That’s insane! It’s not like he was slowing down, he won the Giro!” 

Despite the surprise, Warbasse said he can “understand him”. 

“When we turned pro, the sport was a lot more balanced in general. You didn’t have to be as crazy about everything. 

“Not everyone can handle that, especially the riders who turned pro when I did, back in 2012.” 

Yates’ Giro win last year was more than a victory. 

He led the Giro back in 2018 only to lose it on the Colle delle Finestre, paving the way for compatriot Chris Froome to snatch the pink jersey instead.  

While he eventually topped the Vuelta a España that same year, Yates seemingly had unfinished business with the Giro – until he won the Italian Grand Tour in 2025 on that same climb, securing not just a trophy, but also redemption.  

Yet, all things must come to an end, and Yates hangs up his bike with the sort of glowing professional career that only a few have been able to achieve.

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