"A mistake has consequences and I’m paying them" - Francisco Galván puts career on pause after video of road violation

Francisco Galván is navigating a particularly difficult spell after his exit from Equipo Kern Pharma, which dismissed the rider after he posted several videos on social media that endangered road safety. He has put in career on hold after his contract with the Spanish team was ended.

The footage showed him descending at high speed on a multi-lane road and even drifting into oncoming traffic, a behaviour the team deemed incompatible with road safety and with the image and values of professional cycling. The decision was immediate and marked a turning point in the rider’s career and personal life.

Days after his dismissal became public, Galván set out his current situation in a message posted on his Instagram account. A reflective, self-critical text in which he admits his mistake, accepts the consequences, and describes starkly how his reality has changed since he was left without a team. Far from seeking excuses or sympathy, the rider shows he understands the scope of what happened and the impact it has had on him and those around him.

In his post, Galván recounts very specific episodes that capture how abruptly his life turned, such as having to sell his car after losing his professional contract or the emptiness he felt walking home after closing that chapter.

He also speaks about his emotional state, training dressed in black as a reflection of how he feels inside, and the paradox of still being recognised by people while carrying the shame of having failed. The rider highlights the pain of disappointing his parents and closest circle and, especially, the support of his partner, whom he calls his main pillar in the toughest moments.