World Champion Martyn Irvine Retires From International Cycling

After a long and successful cycling career Irish World Champion rider Martyn Irvine has announced his retirement. The Newtownards track cycling specialist has been a key member on the Irish cycling team over the past twelve years, winning multiple medals at world level, including the coveted "Rainbow Jersey" when he became World Champion in the Scratch Race at the World Championships in 2013, which he won within half an hour of winning a silver medal in the Individual Pursuit.

Irvine has represented Ireland in European and World Championships throughout his career, along with competing at the Olympic Games. Speaking about his career and retirement the 30 year old said:

"The time has come for me to announce my retirement from international competition. I have spent the best part of 12 years committed to riding my bike and focused on performing at the highest level. Along the way I have made some great friends and worked with some awesome people, and have made memories that will last a lifetime. I have competed at an Olympic Games, medalled at World Championship and European level as well as at World Cups and the Commonwealth Games.

I really want to thank Cycling Ireland, Sport Ireland and Sport NI for the continued support they have given me throughout my career. Without the help from everyone at the Sport Institute of Northern Ireland and the Irish Institute of Sport my cycling career would have ended long ago and I'm indebted to them for their help. Most of all I want to thank my wife Grace, without her support and dedication none of my achievements would have been possible.

I'm really clear in my mind that the decision I've made is the right one and I hope in time I can make a positive contribution to the sport I love. For now though it's a time for reflection and moving forward with my life off the bike."

Brian Nugent, Cycling Ireland's Technical Director said:

"Martyn has been an integral member of the squad for over a decade now, it's hard to remember the squad without Martyn. He has been here from the beginning of the project when we started out in 2006 and he has been a major driving force every step of the way ever since. His dedication, professionalism and passion for track cycling has pushed himself, and in recent years, our aspiring young riders to new levels. Martyn's will to win and "never say die" attitude catapulted him to levels of success that ten years ago was unthinkable in Irish track cycling. He paved the way for many, something that will only been seen to its full extent in the coming years. Martyn is part of our family here, and we hope to welcome him back so that he can continue to share his experience and knowledge in the future."

Martyn Irvine will be missed and Cycling Ireland wishes him all the best in his future endeavours.