American rider Sean Bennett announces retirement from professional cycling: "Nothing materialized this year and it’s time to say goodbye"

Sean Bennett has announced his retirement from professional cycling at the age of 26. The American rider, who began his career in 2016, was unable to secure a new team and therefore made the difficult decision to end his time as a professional athlete.

He shared the news via social media. “Some nice memories over the last few years,” said Bennett. He continues, “Pretty frustrated and sad about how the last few months went down. Watched my career slip away from me and leave me without a team for the next year.”

After his time with China Glory Continental came to a close. The search for a new team proved to be a difficult one, as Bennett struggled to find a home that would allow him to continue competing at the highest level. Bennett had hoped to return to the WorldTour, but the lack of available opportunities made this dream seem increasingly unlikely.

“It’s been a frustrating few winters being in this situation where a team folds or changes their idea at the last minute. I’d hoped to continue but nothing materialized this year and it’s time to say goodbye,” Bennett wrote on Instagram.

Finally, he closed his remarks by thanking his past teammates and close friends and family for their support. “Thanks for the people that had my back in past times like this and supported me through it,” Bennett concluded.