After struggling with enduring health problems, Steven Cozza has decided to pause his career as a professional cyclist.

“For too long now I have been struggling with Colitis. I am getting better at managing it but at this point it is not improving fast enough for me to continue at this professional level in the sport of cycling”, says Steven Cozza.

“I love the sport of cycling so to only be able to perform at 50% of my best because of my health has been very frustrating. I miss the rider I use to be – the aggressive one attacking nonstop throughout the race. Therefore, I have made a really tough decision to change my focus away from racing. I have to get my body and my health right – that’s all that counts. But in the end I can be proud because I know I gave it my best until the end”, explains Steven Cozza his decision.

“Team NetApp has been very supportive and I am so happy that they have reached such a high level of success in such a short time. I wish so much that I was able to give more to the team. I will miss all the guys and wish them the very best this season”, continues Steven Cozza.

“Steven was so crucial for helping our young team to advance. After our first year he was brave enough to believe in our ambitious plans. I take my hat off to this very private decision to pause the stressful side of life and to recharge his batteries“, says Ralph Denk, Team Manager Team NetApp. 

“I want to thank all my loyal fans for all their support through the good and hard times this sport can put on us cyclist. As for my future in cycling my body will have to decide this. For my future off the bike I still don't know. Only time will tell if you ever hear about me in the sport of cycling again”, says Steven Cozza.

The 26-years old US-American started his professional career with Team Slipstream in 2007 when he won a stage at the Volta Chiahuawa. The former U23 National Time Trial Champion remained in this Team for the following four seasons. In those years, Steven Cozza won the young riders classification at the Tour of Missouri, finished the prologue at the Volta a Portugal on 4^th place and the Tour of Denmark as 15^th in the overall classification. In 2011 he signed with Team NetApp.