Guy Niv Tour de France (courtesy)
Guy Niv made history as the first Israeli professional cyclist to race in the Tour de France. Now, at the ripe old age of 28, he has decided to retire, saying, “It was the toughest decision I have ever made, but the flame inside that has burned since I started racing has gone out.”
Jewish Canadian businessman and philanthropist Sylvan Adams owns Guy Niv’s team.
Guy Niv thanked the Israel – Premier Tech team for “an unforgettable journey.”
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Niv: “It was an exciting journey. It took me to the most amazing places, meeting and working with wonder teammates and staff. Above all, I want to thank
Guy Niv said, “I know that it will seem like a complete surprise to many, but the few people who are closest to me knew that this has been boiling inside for a long time. There are many reasons behind it, but the main one is that I came to realize that I no longer have the drive and motivation that are essential to reaching the heights I am capable of as a pro cyclist.”
He continued, “I will admit that I always believe I would call it quits only when I reached my full potential. I am still far from that point. Actually, I recently finished my second TDF with the best performance of all my previous five Grand Tours, proving that I am still progressing, but I believe still that it’s time for me to leave it all behind.
“Something turned off inside me during the 2022 season,” added Guy Niv, explaining that he simply did not enjoy the sport as much as he used to. “I always knew why I decided to take on the toughest sport in the world, this northern star that guided me through the toughest moments and made me get on my bike and push myself to the limit. But realizing that I have lost it left me with only one option: take on a new journey away from cycling.”
Guy Niv’s decision was received “with pain and sorrow” by the team’s founder and co-owner Ron Baron.
Baron said that Guy Niv is the rider who “realized the goal and dream we set on achieving when we started this project back in 2014 – to have an Israeli rider race in the greatest race of all and to inspire the young generation of cyclists in Israel.”
“Guy is a role model to many in Israel and abroad, both as an athlete and a human being with values and a true love of Israel,” added Baron. “We truly regret that he is leaving but respect his decision. We are excited to see the young Israeli talent that is coming up and hope to see the best of them race with IPT and follow in Guy’s footsteps.”
Sylvan Adams said that Guy Niv phoned him personally to inform Adams of his decision to retire from pro cycling, a decision that Adams said he understands and accepts.
“Our sport is extremely demanding and requires a great deal of sacrifice, including long absences from home,” said Adams. “All athletes eventually retire, and Guy decided that this is his time. Guy has raced more Grand Tours than any other Israeli. He was also the first to race in the Tour de France, an accomplishment that he will forever own. I thank Guy for everything he did for our team and wish him luck on the next phase of his life.”
Guy Niv started the historic Giro d’Italia in Jerusalem, but illness forced him to abandon it during the fifth stage. Niv vowed to stay focused and not let this derail his progress, and he made good on his promise. He finished the Giro in 2019 and went on to race and successfully complete five Grand Tours, more than any Israeli rider, making a name for himself as a solid rider and domestique with the WorldTour team.
