Ryan Gibbons to retire at the end of 2025 season

Ryan Gibbons has announced that the 2025 season will be his last as a professional cyclist, bringing the curtain down on a decade-long career that saw him race on the WorldTour and claim national and international titles.

In a heartfelt message shared on social media, the South African reflected on both the highs and the challenges of life in the peloton. “Cycling has been my identity for more than half of my life. It’s my passion, my purpose and my profession,” he wrote. “I have had the honour to race in the biggest races, for some of the best teams, alongside the greatest riders in the sport. Cycling gave me the opportunity to do things beyond my wildest dreams and a life I could have never imagined.”

Photo Credit: Lidl-Trek

Gibbons also spoke openly about the difficulties that shaped his career. “As any sportsman knows, there are also very many lows and I’ve had more than my fair share of injuries, illnesses and just sheer bad luck,” he said, pointing to the added challenges of pursuing a career far from home. “Coming from South Africa has also added huge challenges in pursuing this career. I have had to live on the opposite side of the world, away from my friends, family, culture and my home. Residency and visa issues have been a constant and endless struggle and stress which many will never understand or comprehend.”

Despite those obstacles, Gibbons carved out an impressive palmarès. His 10 professional victories include two South African road race titles (2020 and 2024), two national time trial championships (2021 and 2024), and the 2017 overall win at the Tour de Langkawi. On the international stage, he claimed Trofeo Calvià in 2021, African continental titles across road, time trial and team events, and stage success at the Tour de Langkawi.

Photo Credit: Lidl-Trek

In his farewell message, he thanked teammates, staff, and his family for their support. “We’ve suffered together, won together and lost together. I have so much respect for each and every one of you,” he wrote to his colleagues in the peloton. He reserved special words for his wife and son: “This life has not been simple or easy and your sacrifice and unconditional love has carried me through. You’ve seen the highest highs and lowest lows and been there every step of the way. I could never say thank you enough.”

Gibbons concluded: “It’s been a wild ride, but now it’s time to go home.”