**Promising Young Cyclist Mason Hollyman Bids Farewell to Professional Career After Debilitating Allergy Diagnosis**
Mason Hollyman, a rising British star in the professional cycling world, has been forced into early retirement at only 24 years of age, after a struggle with severe allergies rendered him unable to continue competing at the highest level. Hollyman, who most recently rode for Anicolor Tien 21, made the emotional announcement via his YouTube channel in a candid video entitled, “Why I Quit Pro Cycling.”
A heartfelt sense of loss underscored Hollyman’s words as he reflected on a career curtailed by a condition most would scarcely imagine could end an athlete’s journey. “I’ve decided to step away from professional cycling,” he explained. “It’s been a difficult few years for me. I’ve struggled badly with allergies. I guess it’s not something you’d think would end someone’s career, but in my case, it’s taken quite a big hit on me.”
The young rider’s health concerns first began to manifest in 2022. Despite maintaining a demanding training regimen, Hollyman started to notice a lingering sense of fatigue and struggled to find his usual racing form. Matters were compounded further in 2023 after he fell ill with Covid-19. Hollyman recalled feeling persistently “empty” and “off the mark”, unable to match the standards required of a professional cyclist, despite his best efforts.
Medical diagnosis provided him with little comfort. Extensive testing revealed a sky-high level of inflammation linked to his allergies, to an extent that even surprised specialists. A stark warning from his consultant brought the severity of the condition into sharp relief. “I remember the doctor telling me that most patients he had seen with this don’t get out of bed for their nine-to-five office jobs in the morning,” Hollyman told viewers. “That was me after DNF’ing stage four of the Tour de Romandie.”
Reflecting on the gravity of the situation, Hollyman conceded that although some progress had been made in managing his symptoms, it was clear he was unable to regain the physical condition necessary for elite level sport. “We managed to get it to a decent level, but it was still nowhere near good enough to be a professional cyclist,” he said. “As we all know, losing even one or two per cent of your potential is the difference between winning and losing. Maybe I was losing even more than that.”
The news comes as a bitter blow for the former Israel-Premier Tech ProTeam rider, who began cycling with his family at just eight years old. Inspired by his father’s passion for the sport, Hollyman’s talent quickly became evident. He joined Zappi Racing Team as an under-23 rider and subsequently spent two years developing through Israel-Premier Tech’s academy system.
While his professional palmarès might appear modest in light of his potential, Hollyman notched two memorable wins: first at the Volta a Portugal in 2021 and then another at the Tour of Taiwan the following year. Those victories not only symbolised his promise, but also reflected years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination.
Despite the premature end to his elite racing career, Hollyman remains philosophical. He expressed gratitude for the years spent pursuing his childhood dream, and looks forward to new chapters beyond professional sport. “I’m just happy I got to do my passion for so long,” he remarked. Hollyman intends to continue cycling for leisure and has hinted at expanding his YouTube channel to document life after the pro peloton.
This story underscores the often overlooked reality that, for many athletes, the pressures and vulnerabilities of professional sport extend far beyond visible injuries. Hollyman’s ordeal highlights a side of elite cycling rarely discussed—where performance is dramatically affected by hidden health conditions.
As Hollyman closes this arduous chapter and moves forward, the cycling community is left to reflect on both the fragility and the resilience of its brightest talents. His openness in sharing this journey may yet provide inspiration and comfort to others grappling with health challenges in the world of sport.