Cormac Nisbet, a rising British under-23 cyclist, recently shared that stepping away from the sport has brought “a bit of freedom and happiness” back into his life. The 19-year-old, who was part of Soudal Quick-Step’s development team this year, announced his departure from professional cycling in an Instagram post, explaining that the lifestyle no longer brought him joy.
In a conversation with Cycling Weekly, Nisbet expressed that the support he received after his announcement was “overwhelming,” though he remains confident in his decision. He emphasized the finality of his choice, noting, “Once you make it, there’s no going back.”
Reflecting on his career, Nisbet acknowledged that the professional cycling lifestyle didn’t align with his personal happiness and pointed out the inherent risks of the sport. “Nowadays, if you’re not 100% committed, there’s no real point in risking your life at the Conti level to pursue it,” he explained.
Nisbet also revealed that frequent crashes earlier in the season had left him feeling demoralized. Though he was set to continue with Soudal Quick-Step’s development team for another year, with aspirations to turn professional, he ultimately chose to end his contract.
“It’s a massive decision, but there’s more to life than bike racing,” Nisbet concluded, highlighting that if the sport no longer brings joy, it’s unlikely one will excel in it.
