Two World Tour riders, Martin Salmon and Christoph Pfingsten, ended their careers prematurely when they learned that they had no team to belong to for 2022.

The two German riders were unable to find other satisfactory options, as their contracts could not be renewed at Team DSM and Jumbo-Visma, respectively.

At the young age of 24, Salmon decided to retire after only two seasons in the pro peloton. The climber went through DSM's development system and graduated from World Tourstead in 2020. He ran the Vuelta a España in his pandemic-plagued debut season, but struggled to make a significant impact in 2021.

After the New Year officially marked the end of his time at DSM, Salmon announced his decision to leave the sport over the weekend.

"As far as I'm concerned, 'biker' was one of my first words. The pants-wetting excitement of standing next to a motorcycle race has not changed over the last 24 years," he said.

"The ecstasy of the finish line may have clouded that joy with ambition, but the joy of moving forward on two wheels is equal. I have been privileged to call this simple act of locomotion a profession, and now I surrender to the title of hazing."

The same fate awaited Pfingsten, ten years older than Salmon. The all-rounder, who started out in cyclocross, has been a domestique for Jumbo Visma for the past two seasons, and before that spent five years with Bora Hansgrohe.

Although he expressed disappointment at being forced to retire earlier than expected, in his retirement announcement, Pfingsten looked back fondly on his career, citing the 2012 Germany 'Cross title and a stage fourth place at the 2018 Giro d'Italia as highlights.

"Today is a day that almost every competitive athlete dreads. Because it's the time to say goodbye, the end of 25 years of competitive sports, the end of laughter and tears.

"The crying is because I really didn't want to quit, but unfortunately due to various factors I didn't get a new contract. I laugh because I can look back on some great moments.

"First and foremost, I want to thank my wife, Gini, who has been by my side for years, and my entire family, relatives, acquaintances, friends, sponsors, and people I forgot to mention. I have been able to travel to countries that I probably would never have seen in my "normal" life, to get to know special people from all over the world, and to experience wonderful emotions with food and drink."

Pfingsten hinted that although his racing days are over, he may continue to be involved in cycling in the next chapter of his career.

"My father always says that when one door closes, another door opens. And who knows where I'll end up?" he said.

"Maybe I'll stay in the sport in some way. Until then, I wish you all a happy New Year.