A 21-year-old German cyclist, Louis Kitzki, has announced his retirement from professional cycling, citing safety concerns and emotional distress following recent fatal accidents in the sport. Kitzki was a member of the Alpecin-Deceuninck U23 team and had gained recognition after winning the Zwift Academy in 2023, a competition that helped him earn his place in professional racing.
However, his outlook on the sport changed drastically after witnessing the tragic deaths of fellow riders. Norwegian cyclist André Drege died during the 2024 Tour of Austria, and Italian rider Samuele Privitera lost his life at the 2025 Giro Ciclistico Valle d’Aosta. These incidents deeply affected Kitzki, who admitted that the fear and anxiety he felt afterwards significantly impacted his mindset and performance.
In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Kitzki said he had “completely lost the fun of racing” and could no longer continue in a sport where he constantly feared for his safety. He wrote, “Without the mind, the body only functions poorly,” explaining how the psychological toll took a serious hit on his ability to compete.
Despite his early exit from the sport, Kitzki expressed appreciation for the support he received from Alpecin-Deceuninck, noting that the team had always treated him well and never put pressure on him. He said the decision to retire was entirely his own and that he now feels a sense of relief and clarity. While stepping away from professional racing, Kitzki shared that he still enjoys riding his bike recreationally and looks forward to doing so without fear.
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