Unclipped with Grace Brown: The Truth About Retiring from Cycling

As the Vuelta heats up, cycling is also saying goodbye to some of its biggest names. From Geraint Thomas to Ellen van Dijk and Sarah Roy, Grace reflects on the bravery of knowing when to stop - and the hard realities that make retirement such a defining moment in an athlete’s career.

This week, Grace takes stock of both the racing and the farewells shaping the sport. Off the road, the spotlight is on riders stepping away. Geraint Thomas bowed out of the Tour of Britain cheered on by home crowds who’ve supported him for decades, while Ellen van Dijk and Sarah Roy marked their final races at the Simac Ladies Tour. Their exits underline the courage it takes to leave the sport on your own terms. Grace reflects on what makes a “good” farewell, and why timing is everything when it comes to legacy.