Peter Stetina Announces 2026 Retirement, Embarks on “Farewell Tour” of Gravel Racing
After a distinguished career spanning both road and gravel cycling, veteran Peter Stetina has announced his retirement from professional competition following the 2026 season. The declaration, shared via social media and sponsor channels, details a planned “Farewell Tour” of select gravel events in 2026, alongside a transition into coaching and brand partnerships within the cycling industry.
“I am hanging up my professional racing wheels in the coming season,” Stetina shared on The Feed’s Insider blog. “In 2026, I will race a limited ‘Farewell Tour’ of the gravel races that I enjoy the most, sometiems with good fitness and sometimes just too enjoy the scene. I’ll dive deeper with select partners, utilizing all I’ve learned in my career to help brands and other riders succeed on their own terms. If Privateering has taught me anything, it’s that we’re only bound by the limits of
Stetina’s career began on the road, were he competed for teams like garmin-Sharp and Trek Factory Racing. He distinguished himself as a strong climber, tackling iconic ascents in the Pyrenees, Alps, and Dolomites – as well as challenging climbs in the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains. His transition to gravel racing seven seasons ago proved equally accomplished, marked by victories at the Belgian Waffle Ride California and The Traka 360. He continued his winning streak in 2025, securing wins at Low Gap in the Grasshopper Adventure Series and Lost and Found in the Gravel Earth Series, finishing second at BWR California.
Looking ahead to 2026, Stetina intends to participate in a series of US races, including a return to BWR california, where he has claimed three victories. In an interview with Cycling Weekly, he also highlighted the Mid South, Oregon Trail Gravel, SBT GRVL, and The Growler at Levi’s Gran Fondo as key competitions. Beyond racing, Stetina will continue to organize Stetina’s Paydirt off-road race, scheduled for May 16, 2026.
Stetina’s impact extends beyond race results.He has been a pivotal figure in the growth of off-road racing, particularly for self-reliant riders, or “privateers.” Supported by Canyon as his long-term bike sponsor and mechanic ‘Big Tall’ Wayne Smith, he demonstrated a viable path for professional success outside of traditional team structures. He is stepping away from dedicated series like Life Time Grand Prix, Gravel earth Series, and the BWR Quad-Tripel, having shifted his focus to the Mount Washington challenge.
Mount Washington’s difficulty stems from its combination of steep gradients, variable weather conditions, and relentless climbing, comparable to the infamous Mont Ventoux. The 7.5-mile ascent gains 4,678 feet in elevation. While former road professional Ian Boswell set a new course record of 50:15 in the 52nd edition of the Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb in August 2022, Stetina’s subsequent solo effort in mid-September yielded a time of 50:30, just 12 seconds shy of Boswell’s mark and 1:06 off the historical record.
“I HAD to empty the tank on my own terms and be proud of my effort,” Stetina shared on Instagram following his attempt.He described ‘Feeding the Rat’ as an exploration of inner drive – “a restless and persistent urge to test oneself,seek purpose,and experience life’s heightened sensations beyond the ordinary routine.” The 15-minute film is currently available on the YouTube channels of Canyon and Wahoo Fitness.
The dedication required for the Mount Washington climb mirrored the readiness for a three-week Grand Tour, and Stetina expressed contentment with his effort and result. Despite this achievement, he remains enthusiastic about his final year of racing, hoping his body will cooperate for one last ride. You can view the film ‘Feeding the Rat’ on the Canyon YouTube channel here: . You can also find it on the Wahoo fitness YouTube channel here: .
As Stetina prepares for his “Farewell Tour,” his legacy as a pioneering figure in gravel cycling and a dedicated athlete remains secure. He hopes to continue fostering the discipline in new ways, proving that retirement doesn’t necessarily mean a complete departure from the sport he loves.
