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Olympic champion Callum Skinner has announced his retirement from elite cycling at the age of 26 – though he plans to remain involved in the sport by working with British Cycling “make the athlete experience more human.”

Two years ago in Rio, Skinner helped Team GB retain its team sprint Olympic title, and also took silver in the individual sprint, won by team mate Jason Kenny.

In a post on his blog today, the Scot said: “Cycling has been very good to me, I’ve made lifelong friends and realised my dream for which I am eternally privileged.

“I appreciate that 26 might seem to many quite young to be transitioning away from the track, but I have never considered myself just an athlete; I consider myself far more than that.”

He continued: “I’m looking for a new challenge, my next Olympics. I want to build on the skills and perspective I’ve learnt and gained as a competitor over the last few years, and go on to greater things.

“As some of you will know, I’m particularly passionate about giving back to sport, using my profile for good, whether that’s in supporting the long overdue reform of sports governance, LGBT rights and encouraging people to get on their bikes.”

Last August, Skinner announced that he was taking an extended break from cycling, saying that he lacked motivation, although today he revealed that his hiatus from the sport was due to a deterioration in his health.

> Olympic champion Callum Skinner taking break from cycling 

“This has proved to be a very challenging time,” he said. “Through seeking help outside the programme, and by the unswerving support of my friends, family and agent, I have made incredible progress and I’m pleased to say have almost fully recovered.”

As for his future role, he said: “My focus and effort now lies in working in partnership with British Cycling to continue to make the athlete experience more human whilst still maintaining that performance mindset. These two essential aspects are not mutually exclusive of each other.

“Overall, I have had an amazing time at British Cycling and would like to thank my current and former coaches, performance support staff and team mates for an amazing and unforgettable ten years,” he added. “I wish them every success going forward.”

Virtual reality vs reality - Tower Bridge, London both this Am @GoZwift pic.twitter.com/jSKUDuKPpo

— Rory McCarron (@CyclingLawLDN) March 7, 201

It might get a bit lonely in there. Eventually

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