"I no longer feel part of this world" - Marta Cavalli retires from pro cycling at age 27

During the 2022 season, women's pro cycling saw a very pronounced rise of Italian Marta Cavalli, whose development as a climber and classics rider promised a lot. However, the now Team Picnic PostNL rider never managed to find her best legs again, and after two very difficult seasons far from the best in pro cycling, she has decided to retire.

"Another season has ended, but the taste it leaves is slightly different... Years and years spent chasing dreams and goals are taking their toll, and after pouring liters of sweat, clocking up kilometers, and pushing my limits time and time again, I feel exhausted," she admitted in an Instagram post. This post, alongside an announcement from her team, were the acknowledgment that the 27-year old would not be continuing her pro career in 2026.

"The last few years have been incredibly difficult due to the constant ups and downs. I've chased a condition that has never returned. My legs never felt as strong as I'd liked, and my motivation has waned. I've found myself at a crossroads many times, but I've always chosen to stay and get back in the game because I've never liked giving up".

With the FDJ team, Cavalli reached her best results, and it was in 2022 that she really showed her true potential, winning Amstel Gold Race Ladies, Flèche Wallonne Féminine and finishing second at the Giro Donne, as wel as winning the Mont Ventoux Dénivelé Challenge and finishing fifth at Paris-Roubaix Femmes - making her also one of the most versatile riders in the peloton.

"A year ago, I faced one of the most difficult moments, I overcame it (fortunately not alone), and I'm back running with a race number on my back. A year later, I can calmly say that I no longer feel part of this world, and the time has come to say goodbye to the group because my work here is done".

This year she still featured close to the Top10 at the first edition of the women's Milano-Sanremo, but it was a small achievement for a rider of her level. "I can't hide my disappointment, but the time has come when it's best to let go and pursue other dreams I've had. I've had so much fun in the saddle these past years, met so many people, and experienced so many senseless adventures".

"I have so many people to thank, especially the teams who have accompanied and supported me. It's time to discover the world from a different perspective and live a more "normal" life," she concluded.