Greta Richioud has revealed her decision to retire from professional cycling at the end of this year, concluding a ten-year career in the peloton. The 28-year-old French rider, originally from Ardèche, took to social media to make the announcement, saying that the time had come for her to “hang up the bike.”
Reflecting on her decade at the highest levels of the sport, Richioud shared the impact cycling has had on her life. “From all these years, I have grown, I have learned a lot, stumbled often but I have always gotten back up. Perseverance, work, determination, courage, resilience, surpassing oneself have been my guiding principles throughout my career. These values will follow me throughout my life because sport is the school of life,” she wrote.
Richioud’s professional journey began in 2015 with Poitou-Charentes-Futuroscope 86, and her career saw her ride with notable teams including Hitec Products-Birk Sport, Arkéa, and most recently, Cynisca Cycling. A standout early moment came in her first Junior year, when she clinched the European Championship title in Olomouc, Czech Republic, ahead of her compatriot Séverine Eraud, underlining her talent from a young age. Her 2016 victory at the Picto-Charentaise also marked a memorable milestone.
Greta Richioud was candid about the highs and lows that came with the pursuit of her passion. “During all these years I’m not going to lie to you, there have been highs, very highs but also lows. Doubts, questioning, injuries, disappointments but I only keep the positive,” she wrote, highlighting her commitment to focusing on growth and resilience. She credited the intense emotional experiences of the sport, the “crazy emotions” it brought, and the opportunity to explore new cultures and landscapes across the world as some of the most valuable parts of her career.
She extended her thanks to those who have supported her along the way, acknowledging her family, friends, coaches, teammates, and the entire cycling community, saying, “You have all taught me or given me something wonderful, something that marks a life. And for that, I say thank you!”
Richioud concluded her statement with a quote from Pierre de Coubertin, a nod to her belief in the spirit of the sport: “The important thing is not winning or losing, but how you play the game.”
