South African cycling star Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio has brought an extraordinary 17-year professional career to an end, choosing to step away from competitive racing with pride rather than regret.
The 40-year-old former AG Insurance-Soudal rider is leaving professional cycling on her own terms after overcoming injuries, difficult seasons and the challenges of competing at the highest level of international women’s cycling.
Although her retirement marks the end of an important chapter in South African sport, Moolman-Pasio is not leaving cycling behind. She is preparing to take on a leadership role with Team Amani, an African cycling project focused on developing talented riders and creating opportunities for women from the continent.
A career built on determination
Moolman-Pasio’s professional journey began in 2009, when she entered European racing as a South African cyclist determined to compete against some of the world’s best riders.
Her journey was not always straightforward. She initially had to balance racing in Europe with competitions in South Africa while relying on limited financial support and sponsorship opportunities. Over time, her determination helped her establish herself as one of Africa’s most successful female cyclists.
Among her achievements were two second-place finishes at the Giro d’Italia Women, victory at the 2022 Tour de Romandie and the UCI Cycling Esports World Championship title in 2020.
She also collected numerous South African and African championship titles and recorded 49 UCI victories during her career. Her achievements helped raise the profile of African women in professional cycling. Cyclingnews
Injury almost brought her career to an early end
Moolman-Pasio’s final seasons were particularly challenging.
A crash during the 2024 Volta a Catalunya left her with a fractured T10 vertebra, affecting her ability to train and compete at her previous level.
By the end of 2025, she was struggling with her confidence and questioned whether she should retire earlier than planned.
She also discovered that high insulin sensitivity was affecting her body’s ability to manage glucose during exercise. After adjusting her diet and working towards regaining her fitness, she began finding her form again. Her decision to continue into 2026 allowed her to finish her career feeling satisfied with her performances.
She explained to Cyclingnews that she did not retire because she was no longer good enough, but because she had decided it was time to focus on other priorities. Cyclingnews
Final races bring professional journey to a close
Moolman-Pasio’s final professional road race came at the 2026 Road World Championships in Montreal, Canada, where she finished 19th in the elite women’s road race.
She later competed at the Gravel World Championships in Nannup, Australia. However, her final appearance did not produce the fairytale ending she might have hoped for, as illness and a crash affected her race.
Despite the disappointing finish, the South African was satisfied that she had completed her professional journey on her own terms.
She also had the opportunity to share her final road World Championships experience with younger South African cyclists, symbolising the passing of responsibility to the next generation. Cyclingnews
New chapter with Team Amani
Retirement will allow Moolman-Pasio to concentrate on developing African cycling talent.
From 2027, she is expected to take up the position of general manager at Team Amani, an African Continental cycling organisation with men’s and women’s development programmes.
One of the team’s major ambitions is to qualify its women’s squad for the Tour de France Femmes in 2028.
Moolman-Pasio believes African riders have the talent and determination to compete internationally, provided they receive the necessary support, coaching and opportunities.
Her experience in European professional cycling will be valuable as the team works towards that ambition. Cyclingnews
For South African cycling, her retirement represents the end of an influential racing career. However, her next role could prove just as important.
Rather than walking away from the sport, Moolman-Pasio is choosing to help create opportunities for the cyclists who will follow in her footsteps.
Live updates: Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio’s retirement
7 November 2026 – Focus shifts to developing African cycling
Following her retirement, Moolman-Pasio is preparing for her next chapter with Team Amani, where she will help develop African riders and strengthen the team’s women’s programme.
6 November 2026 – Moolman-Pasio reflects on her career
In an interview with Cyclingnews, the South African discussed her difficult recovery, her decision to retire and her excitement about helping the next generation of African cyclists.
October 2026 – Final professional race completed
Moolman-Pasio competed at the Gravel World Championships in Nannup, Australia. Illness and a crash affected her final appearance.
26 September 2026 – Final road World Championships
She finished 19th in the elite women’s road race in Montreal, bringing her professional road-racing career to a close.
2027 – New leadership role expected
Moolman-Pasio is set to become general manager of Team Amani, supporting its ambition to develop African cycling talent.
2028 – Team Amani targets Tour de France Femmes
The team’s longer-term ambition is to secure a place in the women’s Tour de France.