Human Powered Health’s champion Ben King has confirmed that 2022 will be the end of professional cycling for him. The cyclist is still processing the decision, which has left him with mixed feelings:
I only finalized this decision two weeks ago, so I’m still processing it, it’s sad, but also exciting… and a little scary
As of now, the 33-year-old rider is preparing to race the Tour de Suisse on a wildcard invitation alongside team Total Energies.
The rider is looking forward to a fully scheduled year which includes Cycling Pro Road National Championships in the USA and the Maryland Cycling Classic starting on September 4. He seemed unsure about Maryland being the final race of his tour. He expressed his doubts as he said:
I do not expect the Maryland Cycling Classic to be my final race, but it will be my final race in the USA
This will be his final USPRO Championship. He looks sure of the decision, saying:
It will also be my final USPRO championship
Ben took off with championship racing in 2008 when he raced alongside Kelly Benefits. At that time, Ben was a part of the team of Human Powered Health. It gives him immense pleasure to race his last Championship with the same team. He said:
I raced my first USPRO with Kelly Benefits in 2008, so to race my final nationals with the same organisation, Human Powered Health, is cool. It’s been a special event to me since I won in 2010 and although it was so long ago that is still one of my favourite memories in cycling
At just 16 years of age, Ben won the state junior time trial championship and took home the silver medal at the 17-18 junior trial championship. For the next season, he joined the WorldTour and won stages at Vuelta a España.
The American cyclist left Team Dimension Data to join Human Powered Health team just before the start of the last season. He raced at the Volta a Portugal with the team in 2021 and secured a stage win. He also won the mountain opening at Volta à la Comunitat Valenciana this year. The 33-year-old is happy with his switch and said that he loves and enjoys the work atmosphere at Human Powered Health:
These last years on Human Powered Health have been two of the most enjoyable of my career. This is a special team with a rare and refreshing atmosphere thanks to the management and characters involved.
He expressed his gratitude to the team:
I’m extremely grateful to be here and look forward to the upcoming races
With a second child on the way, the rider wants to now spend more time surrounded by his family. He also made the notion that he is open to all kinds of job offers, even if it means switching his career:
The support I’ve received is overwhelming and encouraging. Thank you to everyone who has helped make my journey meaningful. I’m also open to any and all job offers for 2023
While we can’t wait to find out which will be the final race for Ben, we wish the King all the luck for future endeavors.
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Featured Image Via YouTube/ Maryland Classic
