Caleb Ewan, five -stage winner in the Tour de France, five in the Tour of Italy and one in the Tour of Spain, has … announced on Tuesday its withdrawal with immediate effect of cycling. Ineos Grenadiers corridor since last January, he won his last race a month ago at Itzulia by imposing himself on Sprint on arrival in Lodosa ahead of Luca van Boven and Bastien Tronchon. In fact, that has been the last time in which he has been seen in the squad, since the Australian did not take the exit in the third stage of the Basque race.
The Australian, nicknamed ‘Pocket Rocket’ for his low stature and his way of launching at arrivals, retires with 30 years after years that “have not been easy,” as confessed in a note that he has made public announcing his goodbye.
Through a statement he has hung on his Instagram account, he announced that he retires from professionalism since Tuesday. It is not a decision taken lightly, but rather a thoughtful choice by a corridor that in January signed for the ineos Grenadiers with the aim of re -entertaining with cycling, a sensation that, as he has admitted in his farewell note, “vanished faster than before.”
With five stage victories at the Tour de France, five in the Tour of Italy, one in the Tour of Spain, 65 in total throughout its 13 years of career, and two wins this same season in Coppi and Bartali and in Itzulia, Ewan wanted to leave a message of thanks.
Ewan’s farewell message
The Australian cyclist has published an emotional farewell letter on his social networks. Then the full letter:
«After thinking a lot, I have decided to retire from professional cycling with immediate effect. This sport has been a fundamental part of my life, forging my way and offering experiences that I will take with me forever.
Throughout my 11 years of career, I have achieved more than I ever imagined. From personal milestones to professional achievements, the road has exceeded all my expectations, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities, challenges and growth that my life has shaped.
Since I have memory, my world has revolved around the races. The intense routine, the sacrifice, the search for constant improvement, the hunger of victory: it has been my rhythm, my identity. But what once was for me is no longer. The last years have not been easy, but in 2025 I reunited something – not only legs, but faith – thanks to the ineos Grenadiers. They gave me space, trust and environment to rediscover what I am capable of. I won again. I felt myself again and respected. Therefore, I have no words to thank you.
But the truth is that even when I crossed the goal first, that feeling – that one pursues for years – vanished faster than before. My experiences of the last two seasons, in particular the second half of 2024, have significantly affected my relationship with sport. I am glad to have left that period defined the end of my career and I am proud of what I achieved in a short but successful time with the ineos Grenadiers.
There are many people to thank – you have to list – who have supported me, have challenged me and believed in me over the years, and I would like to mention some: John Alert, Scott Drawer, Mehdi Kordi, Paddy Harrison and all in the ineos Grenadiers. They helped me write a last chapter as I wanted. They helped me to leave with pride, in my own terms. The team is on the right track, with an exciting future, and I hope to continue supporting INEOS Grenadiers forever.
To my classmates and personnel of my former teams, especially those who worked closely with me, thanks for the battles we freed and the victories we celebrated. Together, we live the dream: win in some of the most important scenarios of cycling. Those memories and friends will remain with me forever.
To my country: dressing the green and golden shirt has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Representing Australia has always meant something special to me. Regardless of what part of the world I competed, I felt the support of my country. That breath, of the fans, the family and all those who followed my career, has meant more than I can express with words.
To my representative of many years, Jason, thanks for the selfless support that far exceeded my expectations. Your dedication has meant more than words can express.
To my parents, thanks for everything they gave me to pursue this dream. From the early morning and the long trips by car to the sacrifices they made so that he could compete, he would not have reached where I am without his support. They believed in me before anyone else, and I will always be grateful for the base they gave me.
And finally, my wife and children, thanks for accompanying me at each stage of this emotional roller coaster. In the highest and lowest moments, they were always there, encouraging me, encouraging me and reminding me of what really matters.
This trip has not been only mine; It has been ours. His love, patience and faith never faltered, even in difficult times. I could not have succeeded without you ».
