Big surprise this. Wonder who Visma will replace him with? What a way to finish your career - with a Grand Tour win and a Tour stage.
Simon Yates to retire with immediate effect. It is sudden and looks to have surprised the Visma-LAB team as he was picked to pose with colleagues to show off the 2026 kit and the team shared the photos on 30 December
Rather odd timing. Any insight into his change of heart?
Jan 7, 2026 13:47Thanks. I mean it makes sense on a certain level. He goes out on a high note and he's probably achieved all he could want and more. But it's rare to step away when you're still that good. But racing at his level creates extraordinary demands so I get it. Good on him, seems a first-class person.
All true. Lots of veteran riders have noted how intense and year-round the sport has become; evidently he has had enough.
The timing is awkward, though. It leaves Visma with a hole in its roster that won't be easy to fill. I mean, wouldn't they have liked a shot at, say, Derek Gee?
Good point on Gee, who I remember when he was racing juniors at GMSR in Vermont. Never expected he'd be "that" good.
Rather odd timing. Any insight into his change of heart?Jan 7, 2026 13:47
