Marcel Kittel, feeling demotivated, retires from cycling at the age of 31

It seems to be a small plague, but now it is Marcel Kittel who breaks his contract with Katusha. Why? As we say, he is not the first, as last month Greipel did the same, stating that his physical condition was not adequate, thus ending his sports career. Now it has been the turn of the German cyclist.

The reasons of Marcel Kittel for getting off the bike

Without a doubt, Marcel Kittel has always been characterized as a very thoughtful cyclist. His mind has shown quite a bit of maturity. Sometimes what is happening now with Marcel Kittel occurs: a cyclist, a good professional with good characteristics for this sport, whose mind seems not to fit in the peloton.

Critical and rational, Kittel put even Cavendish on the ropes. In fact, the Brit has been one of the first to have words for Marcel Kittel, stating that he was the first who really put him on the ropes.

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The truth is that Marcel Kittel's spring has been one to forget. His best role was undoubtedly seen in the Trofeo Palma, but nothing compared to his good performance last year in races like the Tirreno Adriatico, where he won a couple of stages, including the second in a sprint against Sagan. Precisely the Slovak also does not seem to be at his best level right now.

The question is that Marcel Kittel seems to have seen too much pressure and a new generation of cyclists that is coming on strong. Without being swept away by the current, by money, or by internal pressures, Marcel Kittel decided that the best thing was to break his contract with Katusha and take some time to reflect on his life and career. Yes, it is uncommon, but there are still thoughtful cyclists regarding life and their profession.

Moreover, Marcel Kittel will be a father for the first time next November, and it seems that this fact has also had a lot to do with it.

The official statement from Marcel Kittel

In a brief statement, Marcel Kittel has made some points clear. First of all, it was his decision to end his current contract. But the most interesting part is his reasoning.

Kittel states that it was a “very long process before making this decision, a process in which I asked myself many questions about where to go and how to do it, as a person and as an athlete, and what really matters to me.” Marcel Kittel claims to love cycling, and knows what this sport requires of him now, and is not sure he can meet those demands.

In a truly honest analysis, Marcel Kittel even philosophizes with this change, stating that it will lead him to a new path and new opportunities. “From now on, I will put my happiness and joy above everything else, and I will seek ways to find them in the future as well,” he states.

The 31-year-old German, and winner of 14 stages of the Tour de France, assures that he was exhausted and did not feel strong enough to compete. Now, in the words of Marcel Kittel, “the greatest challenge of my career presents itself, and I am accepting it.”

"As a cyclist, you travel 200 days a year and I don’t want to see my son grow up on Skype. Family, friends, everything was too short, in addition to the permanent fatigue and routine... I have realized this loss of quality of life more and more."

This shows tremendous maturity, which goes beyond racing without analyzing or earning knowing that he is not at the level. On the contrary: Marcel Kittel stops because he is an intelligent and analytical guy, and because a contract and the pressure of money or competition have never made him lift his feet off the ground.