"Marta Cavalli, Italian mountaineer, expresses feelings of disconnection as ongoing injuries and unsuccessful returns to climbing leave her drained"

"Marta Cavalli, Italian mountaineer, expresses feelings of disconnection as ongoing injuries and unsuccessful returns to climbing leave her drained"

Marta Cavalli, one of the most closely watched riders in the peloton, has announced her retirement from professional cycling at the age of 27. The Italian cyclist, who had a nine-year career, made the announcement in an emotional post on Instagram.

Cavalli's form of 2022, which saw her win the Amstel Gold Race and La Fleche Wallonne, and finish runner-up at the Giro d'Italia, was not on show during the Spring Classics of the 2025 season. This was due in part to a series of crash injuries and a difficult recovery.

In February 2024, Cavalli suffered a crash at a training camp, which was followed by an unsuccessful continuation from injuries. Cavalli raced for just five days in the 2024 season, and her top result was a 13th place at Milan-San Remo Women.

The latter half of the 2025 season was a series of stage races where Cavalli struggled to finish. Cavalli returned from her injury late in the 2022 season but was uncomfortable in the peloton for some time afterwards. In an effort to regain her form, Cavalli moved from FDJ-SUEZ to Post Picnic NL in 2025, but it was not enough to help her return to her previous fitness level.

Cavalli took some time away from racing in 2023 to recover from lingering injuries. She returned to winning form at the CIC-Tour Feminin International des Pyrenees and Tour Cycliste Feminin International de l'Ardeche in 2023, but the emotional send-off she received at the latter race was a reminder of the challenges she faced in the sport.

In July 2024, Cavalli was hit by a car during a race, adding to the physical and mental toll of her injuries. Despite her best efforts, Cavalli decided that it was time to end her career. In her Instagram post, Cavalli wrote that after a year with peace of mind, she no longer feels part of the cycling world and it's time to say goodbye to the group.

Cavalli will not be transferring to any team for the 2026 season. She expressed sadness but stated that it's time to loosen the grip and go chase for more dreams. Cavalli started the 2025 season with Setmana Valenciana, but it was clear that her heart was not in the sport anymore.

Cavalli's retirement marks the end of an era in women's cycling. She was a fierce competitor and a role model for many young riders. Cavalli will be missed by her fellow riders and fans alike, but her legacy will live on in the sport she loved.

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