Brit Reade announces retirement from cycling

Reade carved out a name for herself on two wheels, both on the track and also in the BMX discipline.

She dominated the international BMX scene, winning the junior world title in 2006 and then the elite crown in 2007, 2008 and 2010, as well as the BMX time trial world title in 2011.

Reade also appeared at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games where BMX was included for the first time before also competing at her home games in London four years later.

On the boards, she won the world team sprint title in 2007 and 2008 alongside Victoria Pendleton.

The 28-year-old will stay involved with cycling though and will have significant input into British Cycling's women's strategy, which aims to get more women and girls to take up cycling, either as a sport, recreational activity or a mode of transport.

"I'll always be grateful for the support, training and opportunities British Cycling has provided me with over the years – both on and off the track," she said.

"While my BMX and track career with the Great Britain Cycling Team has been both successful and rewarding, I'm now ready to move on from this experience to see what the future holds.

"In addition to my ambassadorial role within British Cycling I'm pleased to announce that I will be working to secure my personal training qualifications whilst also continuing my BMX coaching clinics across the UK. I am also building my own business and aim to pass on my coaching and BMX knowledge to the next generation or riders. Exciting challenges ahead!"

Sportsbeat 2017