Imagine nearly losing your arm and still managing to retire from a grueling sport like cycling after 16 seasons—that’s the incredible story of Italian legend Davide Cimolai. After nearly two decades in the professional peloton, Cimolai has decided to hang up his bike, leaving behind a legacy that includes nine victories, 15 Grand Tours, 27 Monuments, and a wealth of experience across six teams, with Movistar being his final stop. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: Cimolai isn’t just walking away; he’s planning a future that blends agriculture—a sector he’s always admired—with a deep commitment to staying connected to cycling. And this is the part most people miss: he’s laying the groundwork to mentor young athletes, ensuring his wealth of experience isn’t lost but passed on with passion and professionalism.
In a recent interview with bici.pro, Cimolai opened up about his dual post-retirement plans. While he’s tight-lipped about his agricultural venture, he’s vocal about his desire to remain in the cycling world. ‘Sixteen years of professional experience are a valuable asset that shouldn’t be wasted,’ he said. His vision? To open a ‘studio’ dedicated to supporting young athletes, helping them navigate the sport with the same dedication and passion he’s known for. ‘The announcement will come when everything is ready,’ he teased, leaving fans eager for more.
But Cimolai’s final season wasn’t without its challenges. Here’s where it gets controversial: a series of setbacks, including a severe arm infection that nearly led to amputation, forced him to reevaluate his future. ‘I had to be hospitalized, and nearly had my arm amputated,’ he revealed. The aggressive antibiotic treatment that followed left him weakened, with recurring health issues like ear infections that made it impossible to reach peak fitness. Add to that a severe bout of Covid-19 during the Poland race, and it’s clear why Cimolai felt his professional journey was coming to a close.
Boldly, Cimolai admits: ‘Perhaps with one more victory, things would have changed for me too.’ Yet, he’s quick to emphasize that he has no regrets. His new role as a mentor to young riders is one he’s carved out with pride, even as he acknowledges the mental and physical toll of his final years in the sport. The departure of Fernando Gaviria, whom Cimolai was meant to lead out, also played a significant role in his decision, especially as Gaviria struggled to secure a win in 2025.
Family support, particularly from his girlfriend Alessia, has been a cornerstone of Cimolai’s journey. ‘She’s always encouraged me to continue, even in the most difficult moments,’ he shared. Now, as he transitions to life after racing, he’s finding that being at home has its own set of challenges—though Alessia is undoubtedly happy to have him around more often.
Reflecting on his career, Cimolai recalls his professional debut in 2010 at the Tour de San Luis in Argentina with Liquigas. It was a stark contrast to his amateur days, where winning came more easily. ‘I realized that mentally I was fragile,’ he admitted, crediting Movistar coach Leonardo Piepoli for helping him mature and see things from a new perspective. Here’s a thought-provoking question: In an era where cycling has become more demanding, how much does mental resilience truly matter for athletes?
Among his fondest memories, Milano-Sanremo stands out. ‘I’ve always dreamed of it,’ he said, recalling the thrill of racing toward the Poggio. The Tour of Flanders and the Tour de France also hold special places in his heart, with the latter providing some of his most cherished moments, like nearly reaching the podium in his first Tour in 2013.
As Cimolai looks to the future, he offers advice to young riders: ‘If you want to be a professional, you have to accept it and adapt.’ In today’s competitive landscape, he stresses the need to start dreaming big earlier than ever. But here’s the real question: With the sport evolving so rapidly, are young athletes truly prepared for the mental and physical demands of professional cycling?
Cimolai’s story is one of resilience, reflection, and reinvention. As he steps away from the peloton, he leaves behind not just a legacy of victories, but a blueprint for how to transition from athlete to mentor with grace and purpose. What’s your take? Do you think Cimolai’s post-retirement plans will make a lasting impact on the sport? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
