In a stunning announcement that has sent shockwaves through the cycling community, Australian sprinter Caleb Ewan has declared his immediate retirement from professional cycling at the age of 30. The news was confirmed via social media on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, marking the end of an impressive 11-year career that saw Ewan rise to prominence as one of the sport's elite sprinters.
Ewan's decision comes just months after he signed with Ineos Grenadiers, a late contract that seemed to breathe new life into his career following a tumultuous period. "After much thought, I’ve decided to retire from professional cycling, effective immediately," Ewan wrote in an emotional statement shared on Instagram. "This sport has been a major part of my life, shaping my path and offering experiences I’ll carry with me forever."
Throughout his career, Ewan achieved remarkable success, amassing a total of 65 victories, including eleven grand tour wins. His achievements include five stage wins at both the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia, as well as a stage win at the Vuelta a España. Notably, he also claimed nine stages at his home tour, the Tour Down Under, and has twice finished as runner-up at the prestigious Milan-San Remo.
Despite the accolades, Ewan's recent years have been fraught with challenges. His stint with Lotto Soudal ended prematurely after a difficult season, leading him to return to his former team, Jayco-AlUla. However, this reunion did not yield the expected results, and he found himself without a contract until Ineos Grenadiers offered him a one-year deal at the end of January 2025.
At Ineos, Ewan enjoyed a brief resurgence, winning the opening stage of the International Coppi and Bartali Week in late March and later triumphing in the second stage of the Tour of the Basque Country in April. Yet, despite these victories, Ewan revealed that the last two seasons had taken a significant toll on his relationship with the sport. "My experiences of the past two seasons, particularly the second half of 2024, have taken a significant toll on my relationship with the sport," he explained.
In his farewell message, Ewan reflected on the intense routine and sacrifices that defined his career. "For as long as I can remember, my world has revolved around racing. The intense routine, the sacrifice, the search for constant improvement, the hunger to win – it’s been my rhythm, my identity. But what once felt like everything to me no longer does," he stated. This poignant admission underscores the mental and emotional challenges athletes often face, even at the pinnacle of their careers.
Despite the struggles, Ewan expressed gratitude for the support he received during his time with Ineos Grenadiers. "I’m happy I didn’t let that period define the end of my career and I am proud of what I achieved in a short but successful time with Ineos Grenadiers," he said. His heartfelt thanks extended to the team, acknowledging how they provided him with the space and trust to rediscover his capabilities. "They gave me space, trust, and the environment to rediscover what I am capable of. I won again. I felt like myself again and I felt respected again. For that, I can’t thank them enough," he added.
Ewan's career began with Orica GreenEDGE in 2014, where he quickly made a name for himself as a top sprinter. Over the years, he became known for his explosive speed and tenacity, earning the nickname "Pocket Rocket." His journey through the professional ranks included significant victories and a reputation as one of the fastest racers in the peloton.
As he steps away from competitive cycling, Ewan leaves behind a legacy marked not only by his victories but also by his resilience in the face of adversity. His retirement serves as a reminder of the pressures athletes endure and the importance of mental well-being in sports.
In closing, Ewan reflected on the community that supported him throughout his career. "This journey hasn’t just been mine; it’s been ours. Your love, patience, and belief never wavered, even when things were hard. I couldn’t have done any of it without you," he concluded, leaving fans and fellow athletes alike with a sense of admiration for his contributions to the sport.
John Allert, CEO of Ineos Grenadiers, also paid tribute to Ewan, stating, "Thank you Caleb, on behalf of Ineos Grenadiers and everyone in our beautiful sport, for thrilling us with your unique and explosive brand of racing. You leave the sport with our respect and best wishes, and as a winner - in every sense of the word." As the cycling world processes this unexpected news, Ewan's impact on the sport will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
