At thirty-two years old and after ten years in the top tier of cycling, Simone Petilli has decided to turn the page and start writing a new chapter of his professional life. No hanging up the bike, because he will continue to love and use the bicycle, but simply the natural conclusion of a journey that began in 2016 when Simone joined Lampre Merida and will conclude this year at the Giro di Lombardia, after a 2025 season in which he raced over 70 days with the Belgian Intermarché – Wanty team.

An intense season started at the UAE Tour that continued through Laigueglia, Strade Bianche and Giro d'Abruzzo, then the Giro d'Italia, Tour de Suisse and Vuelta Espana, and will conclude with "the Classic of the Fallen Leaves" which for Simone, native of Bellano (Lecco), is simply the "Home Monument".

Simone, an intense season and intense emotions ahead. How do you judge your 2025?

"I'm happy with how it went, I raced a lot, rode the Giro and Vuelta and I can say I'm satisfied with my performances this year. To be honest, even in these last races of the season my form is good. The Giro d'Italia was my best moment, particularly in the San Valentino Brentonico stage, where I was in the breakaway for a long time and felt really good."

Saturday Il Lombardia awaits you to close the year and a ten-year career in cycling.

"Il Lombardia has always been a special race for me, especially with the finish in Como. This year we'll finish in Bergamo but in any case we'll race on roads that are dear to me, routes I train on. I'm sure there will be lots of friends and supporters on the roadside cheering me and the whole group. It will be truly special, a great way to conclude my career."

When did you decide to stop?

"It wasn't a sudden decision. Being at the end of my contract, I was aware that stopping at the end of the season could be a possibility. The definitive decision matured after the Giro d'Italia, but I deliberately waited before communicating it publicly: I prepared well for the subsequent season appointments and worked as if nothing had changed. I wanted and want to be a rider until the very end, the goal is to honor all the races and enjoy this world that for me was the realization of the dream I had as a child."

The best moment of your career.

"I can't choose just one. I was fortunate to become a Professional, reach the goal I had set for myself and fulfill my dream; I raced shoulder to shoulder with athletes I admired on television as a young boy. I raced with many champions, traveled the world and met many people from whom I learned. It's really too difficult to choose a single moment that encapsulates more than ten years."

You said you met many people, is there someone in particular you want to thank?

"All the teammates with whom I shared one or more seasons, the managers of the teams I raced for and, allow me a special thought, to all staff members of the various teams. We cyclists are treated like 'precious crystals' and the professionals who support us are extremely important. Thanks to all of them, no one excluded. A big thanks obviously to my friends, my fans and my family."

Looking back, do you have any regrets?

"I can't deny it, I certainly could have done some things differently but honestly cycling has given me so much and I'm fine with that. Even if I could, I wouldn't go back, I wouldn't change anything of what has been."

And now what are your plans?

"In these years I raced as a Professional and also studied, first Sports Sciences and then Science and Technique of Sport. So in the near future I plan to use the experience gained on the field and my studies to become a trainer. My hope is to remain in the environment perhaps as a trainer and coach for some team. Cycling is my world and will remain so. Certainly I won't leave the bicycle in the garage, I'll continue to use it."

You've been in top teams for more than ten years, what significant differences have you noticed in cycling from the beginning of your career to today?

"Many things have changed. One of the most evident is that the average level in the group has risen tremendously compared to ten years ago and that everyone, athletes and staff, give 110%. Professionalism was already very high when I started, but currently it's even greater. Then, while when I started you could use some races in preparation for others, now you can't afford to arrive at a race without being competitive. If you haven't trained well, you can't sustain today's race rhythms."

Taking advantage of your experience, would you like to give a message to young people who dream of becoming Professionals?

"Enjoy yourselves, do cycling with and for passion. Becoming a Professional is truly a dream come true and if you too have the fortune to achieve it, enjoy it as much as possible because time passes quickly."

Do you have a retirement party planned?

"As every year we'll have a party with friends and fans, nothing is defined yet but certainly that will be the moment when we'll celebrate together the season and these wonderful years spent in the group. But first there's the last race, the 'Home Monument'. On the route there will certainly be many friends whom I thank in advance for their support."