Gear & Grit Daily: January 09, 2026
Today's cycling news: Simon Yates announces retirement with immediate effect, Oscar Onley Contract Buyout Is the Most Expensive in Cycling History and more. ...
Welcome back! Today's newsletter proves that cycling never stops evolving—on and off the bike. Simon Yates is hanging up his wheels with immediate effect, closing the chapter on one of British cycling's most consistent Grand Tour threats. Meanwhile, the business side is making headlines too: Oscar Onley's contract buyout just shattered records as the most expensive in cycling history.
But it's not all about the pros. We're diving deep into how elite riders actually train (spoiler: it's probably different than you think) and sharing expert strategies for maximizing base training when time is tight. Let's roll.
⚡ Quick Hits
- [UPDATE] Neo-Pros To Watch For 2026: Profile of ten emerging professional cyclists entering the pro peloton in 2026.
- The Future of the Bike Industry: Industry leaders discuss trends and challenges facing U.S. bike manufacturing and small builders.
- Chloé Dygert Launches Fundraiser for US Track Legend Sarah Hammer and Her Brutal Health Battle: Chloé Dygert launches fundraiser for track legend Sarah Hammer facing severe medical bills.
- Soudal-Quick Step extends Magnier and signs a new deal with sponsor Soudal: Soudal-Quick Step extends Paul Magnier through 2029 and renews sponsor deal.
- After public outcry, Enterprise South in Chattanooga, TN will remain open to mountain bikers: Hamilton County reverses industrial development plan after 12,000-person petition preserves mountain bike trails.
- [UPDATE] Was Simon Yates Cooked by Cycling’s High-Performance Evolution?: Visma director attributes Simon Yates' retirement to modern cycling's unsustainable performance demands.
- Jay Vine victorious in men’s Australian TT championship: Jay Vine wins Australian elite time trial championship for second national title.
- Felicity Wilson-Haffenden wins Australian TT championship: Felicity Wilson-Haffenden wins Australian elite women's TT championship, defeating defending champion Brodie Chapman.
📊 By The Numbers
- 33 years old: Age of Simon Yates at retirement as defending Giro champion
- 535 acres: Park land threatened before petition saved mountain bike trails
- 12,000+ signatures: Petition signatures that saved Enterprise South mountain bike trails
📰 Today's Big Stories
Simon Yates announces retirement with immediate effect
Simon Yates Hangs Up His Wheels
British climber Simon Yates has announced his immediate retirement from professional cycling at age 33, just months after defending his Giro d'Italia title. The Jayco-AlUla rider called it a difficult decision made after careful consideration.
This matters because Yates was one of cycling's most consistent Grand Tour threats, with a Vuelta a España title (2018) and multiple Giro stage wins to his name. His sudden exit mid-career—rather than at season's end—suggests the physical or mental toll finally outweighed the rewards. For fans, it's a reminder that even elite athletes at their peak can reach a breaking point. His departure leaves a significant gap in the British climbing ranks and removes a key GC contender from this year's race calendar.
[UPDATE] Oscar Onley Contract Buyout Is the Most Expensive in Cycling History
Record-Breaking Transfer Shakes Up Pro Cycling
Ineos Grenadiers has shattered cycling's transfer record to secure Oscar Onley, paying an undisclosed but historically unprecedented buyout fee to pry the British climber from his current contract. The deal marks a new era of mega-spending in professional cycling, with the sport's wealthiest teams engaging in football-style transfer warfare.
This matters because it signals a fundamental shift in cycling's economics. When teams start paying record fees just to break contracts, it shows how desperately they're competing for talent—and how much money is now flowing into the sport. For fans, expect more aggressive roster moves and potentially higher stakes racing as teams seek returns on these massive investments. The Onley deal could trigger an arms race among top squads, fundamentally changing how riders negotiate and teams build their rosters.
[UPDATE] Wednesday Shorts
Simon Yates Retires Abruptly from Pro Cycling
British climber Simon Yates has announced his sudden retirement from professional cycling, catching his team off-guard—they'd just photographed him with squad leaders for 2026 season promotions last week. The 32-year-old won the 2018 Vuelta a España and claimed multiple Grand Tour stage victories throughout his career.
Why it matters: Yates' unexpected exit highlights the physical and mental toll of pro cycling at the highest level. His departure leaves a significant gap in the Grand Tour contender pool and raises questions about rider burnout in an increasingly demanding race calendar. For fans, it's a reminder that even elite athletes can reach their limit without warning, and underscores the sport's grueling nature beyond what we see on race days.
Retirement Shock: Giro Champion Simon Yates Ends Career with Immediate Effect
Simon Yates has stunned the cycling world by announcing his immediate retirement at age 33, just days before the new season kicks off. The British rider, who won the 2018 Giro d'Italia and claimed four Vuelta a España stage victories throughout his career, exits the sport without warning or fanfare.
Why it matters: Yates was one of the most consistent Grand Tour contenders of his generation, known for aggressive racing and climbing prowess. His abrupt departure—with no prior hints of retirement—raises questions about what prompted such a sudden decision. For fans and the peloton alike, losing a rider still in his competitive prime reshapes the GC landscape for 2026's Grand Tours. His twin brother Adam continues racing, making the timing even more surprising.
[UPDATE] Cyclocross star told by doctors to stop cycling completely after blood flow problems force early retirement
Belgian cyclocross star Eli Iserbyt has been forced to retire from all cycling—including recreational riding—due to severe blood flow problems. The former European champion announced via Instagram that doctors have advised him to stop riding entirely, marking an abrupt end to a decorated career that included multiple World Cup victories and a European title.
Why it matters: This isn't just another early retirement story. Iserbyt's case highlights the serious vascular issues that can affect elite cyclists, where extreme physical demands can lead to conditions like iliac artery problems. The complete ban on even casual riding underscores the severity of his condition. For competitive and recreational cyclists alike, it's a stark reminder that persistent circulation issues, numbness, or power loss shouldn't be ignored—early intervention can mean the difference between managing symptoms and ending your time on the bike entirely.
🎙️ Fresh Ears
- NEW STUDY for Cyclists | How Pros Actually Train (Not What You Think…) | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 566: Research-backed analysis of World Tour cyclist training strategies, periodization, recovery, and nutrition science.
- 405: Top Coaches Share Strategies on Base Training with Limited Time: Top coaches reveal base training strategies for time-crunched cyclists, prioritizing efficiency.
- Ten Minute Tips #70: Fitness Beyond FTP: Coaches explore non-FTP training aspects and physiology for improved race results across disciplines.
📺 Watch List
- I Wish I Knew This Before I Started Mountain Biking!: Ex-pro shares 16 years of MTB racing lessons for beginners on progression, coaching, and skill development.
