Former New Zealand road and TT national champion Kim Cadzow (EF Education-EasyPost) has decided to step away from professional racing at 24, stating that riding her bike "was no longer my happy place."
Having not raced in 2026, Cadzow announced via her Instagram that she wouldn't be returning to the sport. She turned pro with Jumbo-Visma in 2023, before joining EF Education-Oatly and racing for the US team for the past two seasons.
"I’ve decided to step away from my professional cycling career. I don’t feel old enough to say I’ve retired, but I can say I won’t be returning," said Cadzow.
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"I’ve played over many situations in my head, just riding time trial, and I was so lucky to have had the opportunity to join the NZ track team for a brief stint.
"But riding my bike was no longer my happy place, and it felt everyday more and more like punishment. I love sport it’s my life and I never wanted to walk away hating it."
Cadzow showed great promise as an upcoming racer, winning three senior national titles in New Zealand, and a stage and the overall at the Trofeo Ponente in Rosa in 2024. She also finished sixth at Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2024, and raced three Grand Tours, twice at the Giro and once the Vuelta.
Enjoying a rapid rise to the upper echelons after taking up cycling in 2019, Cadzow also represented her country at th Paris Olympic Games in 2024, finishing 56th in the road race and a stunning seventh in the time trial.
"While my career was short, taking up cycling at 19 and making the Olympics 3 years later was more than I ever could have dreamed. I’m so grateful for that," she added.
"Thank you to everyone who supported me and was a part of my journey. Coaches, teammates, family, friends, sponsors and NZ. Nothing compared to wearing the fern on my back.
"To all those young riders out there... hold your friends close and your family closer. Build a circle around you of support and lean on them, because once you are done that’s who you will have standing by your side."
Several WorldTour pros commented on Cadzow's announcement post, former EF teammates Alison Jackson saying: "You did some big things in that short time! Happy you know you and your silly goose side! Can't wait to see what you get up to!" and Lotta Henttala adding: "Take your time and maybe the joy will come back some day! Hugs from the other side of the world."
Cadzow was contracted to ride with EF in 2026, but having ended her career with immediate effect, it means her last race was at the Zottegem-Strijpen in Belgium on July 17 of last year.
