Kim De Baat, who triumphantly claimed the Belgian Road Championship title in 2022, has announced her retirement from professional cycling.
The 32-year-old rider from Fenix-Deceuninck relayed her decision on Saturday morning. “After 26 years of racing, it’s time to say goodbye,” stated De Baat on social media.
“I realise this may come as a surprise to many, given my enduring passion for cycling,” De Baat opens in her written message, accompanied by several photos of her in various stages of her career; as a child on a race bike, and notably in her Belgian champion jersey.
“After spending over a year persistently battling through setbacks, it’s likely my body struggled to keep pace with my determination. Fatigue seeped in, and after extensive investigations, it was discovered that I suffer from overtraining syndrome. Recovery from this condition requires a significant amount of time.”
“Naturally, it is with great sorrow that I have to bid farewell in this manner, but now it’s time to focus on my recuperation and explore future possibilities,” De Baat continues. She is to make her final appearance this Monday at a competition near Antwerp.
She extends her gratitude to her partner on and off the cycling track, Sanne Cant, with whom she “experienced the best year of my career”. “Thank you for letting me share our passion together and for standing beside me, no matter what,” she expressed.
De Baat began her career with a victory in Dwars door de Westhoek (2012), but her 2022 Belgian road title undoubtedly signifies the pinnacle of her sporting journey. Her national triumph was deeply marred by a severe accident during training: she sustained a broken collarbone and multiple rib fractures.
This year, she took part in several competitions including the UAE Tour and, more recently, the Baloise Ladies Tour last month.
