British cyclist Simon Yates has announced his unexpected retirement from professional racing at the age of 33, ending a successful career in the sport. Yates concluded the season with Team Visma | Lease a Bike, after a year highlighted by winning the Giro d’Italia and a stage victory at the Tour de France.

The decision comes as a surprise, given the cyclist’s strong recent results. Throughout his career, Yates also won the Vuelta a España, multiple stages in the three Grand Tours, and the overall classification of the Tirreno-Adriatico.

Team director Grischa Niermann commented on the retirement, praising Yates’ achievements: “With Simon, we won the Giro d’Italia last year, a major milestone for both him and the team. His stage win at the Tour de France confirms his high level. While it is unfortunate he is retiring now, he is leaving at the peak of his career.”

Niermann added that Yates had been a reference point as a general classification rider and a climber, consistently performing at critical moments. “At the Giro, he reached his peak condition when few expected him to still be at that level. It shows the type of rider he has been,” concluded Niermann.