Retiring revolution

As a surge in younger riders leaving the sport continues, what is going on?

- 

Riders retiring at the end of the season is nothing new. There is little odd or surprising about Ellen van Dijk, Geraint Thomas or Lizzie Deignan stepping off their bikes at the end of storied careers.

However, as 2025 draws to a close, the surge in younger riders retiring shows no signs of slowing, which is different. Some 22 riders in their 20s at ProTeams and WorldTour teams have so far said they have left the sport, with multiple factors at play.

There are recognisable names, like former British national TT champion Lizzie Holden and Amstel Gold winner Marta Cavalli, but also a whole host of solid domestiques who have decided that cycling simply isn’t for them any more.