Peiper steps down from UAE as cancer battle continues

Australian cycling great Allan Peiper has retired from his role within the UAE Team Emirates squad, his cancer battle preventing him from contributing to the team in an ongoing role.

Allan Peiper with former BMC charge Richie Porte at the 2017 Santos Tour Down Under. Source: Getty

Peiper retired as sport director for the squad after the 2021 Paris-Roubaix, taking a more back seat role, though he had significant input into the defence of Tadej Pogačar's Tour de France title. It had been hoped that Peiper would continue his work with the team in an advisory role though the 61-year old has decided to now focus on home life after a successful three years with the squad.

“The treatment for cancer which I have undergone in the last six years have taken a huge toll on me mentally and physically," said Peiper. "So much so that I don’t feel at this time that I can do the job like I want.

"The last three years with UAE Team Emirates have been a wonderful experience. The team took me in knowing I had been sick and yet offered me every opportunity, immense support and understanding for which I am utterly grateful.”

Peiper joined the Emirati squad in 2019 and has formed an important role in the teams' many successes, particularly in his masterminding of the first of Pogačar's two Tour de France victories.

Team Principal and CEO Mauro Gianetti expressed his gratitude to Peiper.

“Though he is stepping back, Allan will always be a member of our team," said Gianetti. "In these three years we have all learned a lot from him. His professionalism, commitment and knowledge have been invaluable to the team and we are all very grateful and thankful for what he has done.

"We wish him the very best and are all supporting him in his latest fight, that we know he will tackle with the same drive and determination as he always does. Allan’s place in the team will remain for good, and the door is open to him as soon as his health improves.”