THE FINAL SEASON FOR TED KING

Apr 28, 2015 – Ted King has announced today that the current season will be his final as a professional cyclist. The 32 year old started his European campaign in 2009 and is currently in his seventh European professional season as a member of the Cannondale-Garmin Pro Cycling Team.

peloton/Yuzuru Sunada/CORSO Sports Marketing

“I’ll forever love this sport and consider myself grateful to have earned such an international career,” King said. After racing domestically for three years with Bissell, King made the leap to Europe with the Cervélo Test Team in 2009 before joining Liquigas-Cannondale in 2011.

During his professional career Ted raced in the sport’s biggest events including the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, World Championships, and Monuments such as Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. King says he will forever cherish his first-time experiences such his first time on the Roubaix Velodrome, his first Grand Tour, his first victory, and his first World Championships wearing the red, white, and blue of the United States.

“I can picture each of these vividly and that’s something I’ll value forever. And I’m grateful to spend my last pro season on an American team with Cannondale-Garmin. Across the board I’m extremely happy here — my teammates, the directors, sponsors, camaraderie, and obviously the fans are all greater than I could have expected. It may seem like an odd contrast to decide to retire now when things are at such a high, but I’m ready to tackle a new phase. That being said, I’m more inspired to thrive in the peloton than ever before and finish the season in the greatest way possible.”

While leaving the professional ranks at the end of the current season, King plans to remain actively involved in cycling with the same vigor that drew him to it. King will also turn his attention to UnTapped, the energy company he co-founded in 2014.

“Though I’m stepping away from pro racing at the end of the season, I still love riding my bike and will continue to do plenty of that.” said King.  “I’ll be even more involved with the Krempels King of the Road Challenge and similar social, environmental, health, and causes related to the bike.”

peloton Magazine had a chance to have a quick Q&A with Ted, this is what the Cannondale-Garmin rider had to say. 

peloton: It must have been a dream to race professionally, and now with the end in sight, do you have another dream to pursue after racing?

King: Absolutely it’s has been a dream to race at this level for as long as I have. It was ten years ago this spring, probably three weeks shy from graduating college, I remember being with my housemates as we all anxiously waited to hear about our job applications. That’s when my first contract offer came through to race professionally. I’ve been living that dream ever since.

I’ll remain very close to the sport of cycling, even when I retire at the conclusion of this season. I still love the sport of cycling and love getting on my bike to ride. Instead of the spring being characterized by the Classics, as they’ve been for the past seven years, I’ll be riding my bike looking for a classic adventure. Additionally, I have some fantastic relationships with sponsors and particular events that mean a lot to me and that I would like to put even more energy into. Plus I started UnTapped last summer and I’m excited to help that grow even more.

peloton: What has been your most memorable race throughout your career? Do you think it could be replaced by your final ride in the pro peloton?

King: That’s a tough question. I have some favorite races for sure, but I don’t think I can look back and see one that summarily jumps to the forefront. There is still half a season of racing ahead of me, and I want to exit professional cycling on a high note. I’ll go at each race with the same energy as I always have and always will.

peloton: Will we have a chance to see you at the Tour of California?

King: Yessah! I recently returned home after a full spring campaign racing in Europe. I’ve been back stateside for a few days now and am really excited to be racing on home soil with the team Cannondale-Garmin has lining up on May 10 at the Amgen Tour of California.

peloton: In 2016, will we see you on the television, perhaps not on the bike but in front of the camera?

King: I have some really fun projects on the horizon. Commentary isn’t one that has come my way, but I’m equally open to whatever the future might hold.

peloton: Finally, what could bring you out of retirement?

King: A time machine?