"I don't want to delve into the many reasons..." - 24-year old World Tour pro retires from cycling

Cofidis' Hugo Toumire is retiring from pro cycling at age 24. The French rider is ending his career prematurely after struggling at the highest level of the sport, and after not being renewed with the team that has lost its spot in the World Tour and will once again be racing at ProTeam level next year. He will make the switch to train running after several years in the peloton.

"It's heartwarming to read that I'm announcing the end of my cycling career. I don't want to delve into the many reasons that led me to this decision, but rather to thank those who were there for me through the good times and the difficult ones," Toumire said in a post shared on Instagram.

After finishing fifth at the 2021 Tour de l'Avenir, there were big hopes deposited in the Frenchman who was at the time racing as a stagiaire for Cofidis already. He got a pro contract the year after and spent the last four seasons with the French outfit, but never managed to deliver on the high expectations. Toumire was part of the 2023 Giro d'Italia and has race Il Lombardia twice, but mostly raced in the role of domestique for the team. Throughout the past years, lack of performances were widespread and the team didn't manage to secure its World Tour license, and riders were often racing for their own ambitions, seeking UCI points to secure their future.

Now right after turning 24 years old, Toumire - who was also recently diagnosed with endofibrosis - made the announcement. "Cycling has been a wonderful 14-year adventure, traversing the roads far and wide. I leave enriched by these experiences, happy to have lived it all. And today, I'm simply happy to stop. Now I want to rediscover the pleasure of sports and take on new, slightly crazy challenges. Now let's make room for... trail running! Thanks again to everyone, and see you soon for new adventures!"