Aafke Soet has announced that she is retiring from professional cycling to become an ambassador for (W)eetwatjedoet (opens in new tab), an organization dedicated to addressing eating behaviors in high-level sports.

In a farewell message posted on Instagram on Thursday, the 25-year-old Dutch cyclist opened up about his personal struggle with anorexia and urged athletes to learn about disordered eating, raise awareness and seek help, especially in the elite sports community.

"I Quit Cycling: First, I didn't feel the need to let you know that I quit cycling because, despite some success, I didn't race often last year. I am just one of many riders on the bike," writes Ahke Soet.

"I am writing this farewell now because I want to speak up. I have been ashamed of certain things for far too long. Things that probably ruined my chances of a successful career. I wish no one had to go through it, but sadly it is very common in cycling and in the society we live in today.

"I have suffered from anorexia. I had an eating disorder for about five years, going up and down, but the destructive thoughts were always there.

After leaving junior, Soet started her professional racing career in 2017 with the successful development team Parkhotel Valkenburg. She spent three seasons with WNT-Rotor (now Ceratizit-WNT) before jumping up to the Women's World Tour in 2021 and 2022 with Jumbo-Visma.

She revealed that she struggled with an eating disorder for most of her professional cycling career, but she was not alone, noting that several of her colleagues within the peloton also faced similar struggles with mental health, body image, and disordered eating behaviors.

"When I finally felt at ease, I could see things clearly again ....... I was saddened by the fact that many of my colleagues were also suffering. I suffer from having unhealthy and unhappy thoughts, desiring unhealthy bodies and performance ideals, and having to face body dysmorphia," Soet wrote.

"Therefore, I turn to you. Look around you and be aware! Dare to speak up, dare to ask questions, dare to ask for help! Above all, you never know what someone is going through in silence. Most of the time, when someone is suffering mentally, you are oblivious to it.

"The greatest gift you can give is your kindness, time, and love."

Soweto confirmed that she no longer struggles with an eating disorder, but wanted to open up about her experience, hoping her story would help others who may be in a similar situation.

"I am happy to be able to say now: 'I am recovered,' and I can finally see how beautiful life can be. I truly wish that for everyone who is suffering. So I have decided to share my story with you and with the world of cycling and elite sports," Soet wrote. [In 2023, I will be an ambassador for the (W)eetwatjedoet project, which fights against eating disorders in sports and fights for healthy performance. I look forward to channeling my energy, creativity, and restored positivity to participate in their mission."