Claudio Imhof ends his career as a multiple European Championships medallist, a UCI Track World Championships medallist, a UCI Track World Cup race winner and a 14-time Swiss national champion on the track.
Over 16 years as a professional he specialised on the track, becoming a junior European champion in the Scratch in 2008, before taking a senior bronze medal in the same discipline at the Tissot UCI World Track Championships in 2016. With medals in the Madison, Points race, Team and Individual Pursuit at the European Championships, Claudio Imhof was an all-rounder in endurance racing.
The Swiss rider finished 11th in his debut UCI Track Champions League season, winning the Scratch in Round 3, before taking three second places and a third place in 2022. That consistency helped him lift the overall title by the tightest of margins, just edging out rival Sebastián Mora (Spain) by finishing two points above him in the final Elimination of the series.
Claudio Imhof, overall Men's Endurance winner of the 2022 UCI Track Champions LeagueTheir thrilling battle for the title was one of the highlights of the 2022 series, as Claudio became the second-ever Endurance champion and wrote his name in the UCI Track Champions League history books. His victory was even more impressive coming just six months after a traumatic brain injury.
Fittingly, Claudio’s last race was the UCI Track Champions League Grand Finale in London last weekend. While he didn’t win, his final UCI Track Champions League season was marked by several thrilling long-range attacks in Scratch races, with the crowd cheering him on until the last.
Claudio shared the news of his retirement on social media alongside a highlight reel of his career, writing: “After over 21 years in cycling and 16 as a professional, it’s time to say goodbye. It’s been a journey full of passion, successes, and challenges that have shaped me as an athlete and as a person. Highlights like winning the UCI Track Champions League overall title, medals at UCI World and European Championships, UCI World Cup victories, or wearing the King of the Mountains jersey at the Tour de Suisse will forever remain in my heart. There were tough moments too, like my traumatic brain injury in 2022 – but my determination to never give up always brought me back.
“Now, a new chapter begins: I’m fulfilling a childhood dream and becoming a train driver. The fascination for trains during my training rides inspired me to pursue this new path. With the same passion that fueled my cycling career, I’m excited to start this journey and soon drive trains myself.
“My heartfelt thanks go to my families, my beloved girlfriend, my coach, my long-time cycling colleagues and companions, as well as my closest friends. Without your support, this journey wouldn’t have been possible. A big thank you also to all the fans and supporters who stood by me over the years.
“Cycling will always be a part of me. If my training schedule allows, you might still see me at Stayer races.
“Here’s to a new journey – with gratitude for what was and excitement for what lies ahead!”
Congratulations on your remarkable career Claudio, and enjoy the next adventure!
