Double Olympic champion Steven Burke will look back on his career with pride after announcing his retirement from the GB Cycling team.
Burke was part of the Team GB men’s team pursuit squads that won gold at London 2012 and Rio 2016, while he also took bronze in the individual pursuit as a 20-year-old at Beijing 2008.
The Burnley native broke his pre-Olympics PB by a massive 11 seconds to win individual pursuit bronze in Beijing, before riding with Ed Clancy, Geraint Thomas and Pete Kennaugh on home soil four years later to take team gold.
It was then alongside Clancy, Owain Doull and his childhood hero Sir Bradley Wiggins that he defended that team pursuit title in Rio to complete a remarkable Olympic career.
Burke will still compete in Six Day cycling events and on the domestic circuit but after hanging up his GB jersey, the 31-year-old was thankful for everything he has achieved.
“Firstly, I would like to thank all of my team-mates throughout the Great Britain Cycling Team. I have enjoyed working with them all,” said Burke.
“It has been an epic journey achieving Olympic gold with Geraint Thomas, Brad Wiggins, Pete Kennaugh, Owain Doull and Ed Clancy and I will look back on some great moments with them.
“Although I have retired from international duty and looking forward to new challenges, I still plan to race in the Six Day events, help out the local riders in Team SB Hub and Cycle Sport Pendle, and to ride my bike for years to come.
“Looking back on my career, I can only be proud of becoming an Olympic, world and European champion, achieving all I’ve wanted to in red, white and blue with my mates.
“I am forever grateful to my family, girlfriend, close friends and everyone who has helped me over the years.”