Double Olympic silver medallist Becky James has called time on her cycling career to forge a new life as a cake maker.
Aged just 25, James is already a double world champion, and has five other World Championship medals to her name, as well as two Commonwealth Games medals and a European bronze.
A mystery knee injury, that took more than a year to fully diagnose, derailed her career in her early 20s, with a cancer scare also keeping her off the bike before she returned to the track to win a bronze medal at the 2016 World Championships, in London, three years after winning double gold in the sprint and keirin, in Minsk.
Her comeback was complete later in 2016 when she won silver medals in both the keirin and sprint in Rio, before she again took some time away from the bike to consider her options for the future.
A year on from her Olympic medals, she has taken the decision to focus her attentions on a career in baking – something she always enjoyed as a hobby alongside cycling.
“For a long time I’ve had a passion for baking and have loved making special wedding and birthday cakes for friends and family,” she said.
“I’ve had great feedback from those who’ve enjoyed my cakes or seen my Instagram @bakedbybecks and it’s my intention to now pursue this passion as a business, along with some exciting other projects going forward.”
James cited the physical and mental toll being a cyclist for 13 years has taken on her as the reason for retirement.
But she is adamant a new life in cake making will not mean a loss of fitness.
“I have given cycling 100 per cent and know how much commitment it takes to make it to the highest level in elite sport,” she added.
“The pressure of competing at the top can be mentally and physically draining, but the rewards have been incredible and I have absolutely no regrets.
“I have achieved my wildest dreams of becoming a world champion, a Commonwealth medallist for Wales and becoming a double Olympic silver medallist.
“I now want to enjoy my life without the strict training regime, while at the same time continuing to lead a healthy lifestyle both in body and mind.”
James will not be stepping away from cycling entirely, however, and said she will still be a member of her local club.
“I would like to thank everyone who has been part of my journey from the beginning,” she concluded.
“My family, friends, coaches, Abergavenny Road Club, Welsh Cycling, British Cycling, Team GB and my incredible sponsors who all stuck with me and supported me through the highs and the lows of elite sport.
“Cycling has always been the main focus of my life and will continue to be a big part of it. I will still be an active member of Abergavenny Road Club and I will look to pass on some of the knowledge I have acquired over the years to help young riders achieve their dreams.”
