Kiwi Olympic medallist and three-time world champion Ethan Mitchell has announced his retirement from competitive cycling.
On Wednesday, the 30-year-old confirmed the end of his 12-year career at the sport's elite level, where he was a key cog in the highly successful men's sprint trio alongside Sam Webster and Eddie Dawkins.
The trio won gold medals at the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games, and claimed silver at the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016.
They also podiumed at the World Championships for five consecutive years, earning gold in 2014, 2016, and 2017.
After taking some time away from the sport after the Tokyo Olympics last year, Mitchell decided it was time to take a new direction in life rather than strap up for July's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
"I also wanted to decompress from that five-year campaign and work out what is next rather than just stop riding my bike," Mitchell says.
"It was a matter of figuring out what I am good at other than riding a bike fast and taking the time to contemplate that.
"High performance sport is all-encompassing. You give it all of your attention and everything you have. And I have dedicated myself to being the best I can be. But the time is now right for me to move on."
Mitchell paid tribute to those who have helped him along his his journey since he joined the Cycling NZ high performance programme back in 2009.
"I have shared in some amazing times and experiences, got to ride and train with and against some outstanding people, had great coaching and support, and got to compete and travel to all corners of the globe," he says.
"I have been fortunate to call my passion my job for many years. I owe all of my experiences to the support Cycling NZ has shown me.
"My family and friends have been by my side every step of the way. I am leaving our sport as much the bright-eyed boy as when I started, and will celebrate in every future success our kiwi athletes have."
