Simon Yates, one of Britain’s most successful modern cyclists and the reigning Giro d’Italia champion, has announced his surprise retirement from professional racing at the age of 33.
The Visma–Lease a Bike rider confirmed his decision on Wednesday, saying he is stepping away from the sport with “deep pride and a sense of peace” after a long and demanding career at the highest level of cycling.
In a message shared on social media, Yates said the choice had not been made suddenly.
“This might surprise many people, but it was not an easy decision,” he wrote. “I have thought about it for a long time, and now feels like the right time to move on.”
A Career Defined by Grand Tour Success
Yates enjoyed a professional career spanning 13 years, during which he won two of cycling’s biggest races and established himself as one of Britain’s leading climbers.
His greatest achievement came in June last year when he won the Giro d’Italia, sealing victory with a dramatic attack on the race’s final mountain stage over the Colle delle Finestre. The win was widely seen as one of the most unexpected and memorable moments in recent Grand Tour history.
That success followed his earlier triumph at the 2018 Vuelta a España, making him a two-time Grand Tour winner. In total, Yates claimed 36 professional victories, including 11 stage wins at elite level.
Speaking after his Giro victory in Rome, Yates described the moment as career-defining.
“It’s a huge moment for me,” he said at the time. “I’ve spent so much of my life targeting this race. There were many setbacks along the way, and it was hard, but to finally achieve it is something I’ll always cherish.”
One of Britain’s Cycling Greats
With his Giro win, Yates became only the third British rider to claim the famous Italian race, joining Chris Froome and Tao Geoghegan Hart in an exclusive group.
Cycling experts praised his achievement, highlighting the tactical intelligence and determination he showed in the mountains. His Giro victory is now regarded as one of the most remarkable comebacks in modern cycling.
Yates’s final professional win came earlier this year with a mountain stage victory during the opening week of the 2025 Tour de France in the Auvergne region. That performance marked the closing chapter of a career that also included two Tour de France stage wins in 2019.
From Track Cycling to the World Stage
Born in Bury, Greater Manchester, Simon Yates rose through the British Cycling system alongside his twin brother Adam Yates, who also competes at the highest level of the sport.
He first made his name on the track, becoming world champion in the points race in 2013, before successfully transitioning to road cycling. Over the years, he represented Great Britain at major international events, including the Olympic Games.
Yates said that cycling has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember. From his early days racing at the Manchester Velodrome to competing on the biggest stages around the world, the sport played a major role in shaping who he is today.
Gratitude and Reflection
In his retirement message, Yates reflected not only on his victories but also on the challenges he faced throughout his career, including injuries, form struggles and intense pressure.
“The harder days were just as important as the wins,” he said. “They taught me patience, resilience and perspective.”
He also thanked teammates, coaches and staff for their support over the years.
Yates added, “Whenever I doubted myself, they never did. I am thankful to everyone who helped me achieve my dreams.”
What Comes Next
Yates has not yet revealed his plans beyond cycling, but his announcement suggests he is ready to embrace a new chapter away from professional competition.
His retirement marks the end of an era for British cycling and leaves behind a legacy defined by determination, tactical brilliance and some of the most memorable moments in Grand Tour racing.
