James Has New Plans In The Oven After Retiring From Cycling

Becky James – Wales’ former world champ and two-time Olympic silver medallist – is quitting cycling.

The Abergavenny-born rider has decided to pursue her passion for baking by setting up a business as well as other projects.

James took a break after winning keirin and sprint silver at last year’s Olympics in Rio missing the worlds in Hong Kong in March.

The 25-year-old had won the world titles at the events in Minsk, Belarus, in 2013 but has also seen her career hit by injuries.

James would have bene expected to be one of Wales’ medal hopes at next April’s Commonwealth Games in Australia until her surprise decision.

“I have had time to think about my future and have decided to retire from international track sprint racing,” said James in a statement.

“After 13 years of racing my track bike, it is time to start an exciting new chapter in my life. I have given cycling 100% and know how much commitment it takes to make it to the highest level in elite sport.

“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 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.

“For a long time I’ve had a passion for baking and have loved making special wedding and birthday cakes for friends and family.

“It’s my intention to now pursue this passion as a business, along with some exciting other projects going forward.”

James, who made her mark in Delhi with silver and bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games, also suffered a cancer scare three years ago.

Darren Tudor, head coach at Welsh Cycling said: “Becky has given so much to the sport; it was fantastic to see her progress through the pathway, from the talent team to the absolute pinnacle of her sporting career.

“She represented Wales in Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games and won two medals, and then become a double World Champion in 2013.

“Even through unfortunate times of both injury and illness, Becky showed true determination, and went onto win the bronze medal in the 2016 UCI Track Cycling World Championships, followed by two silver medals in the sprint and keirin events at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

“On behalf of my team, I’d like to congratulate Becky on her incredible achievements and wish her every success in the future.

Chief executive officer, Anne Adams-King added: “Becky has been a pleasure to work with over the years and we are sad to be saying farewell.

“We are extremely proud of Becky’s achievements and would like to thank her for all of her involvement with Welsh Cycling, which has undoubtedly helped inspire many people in Wales to start cycling.

“We wish her all the very best in her exciting new ventures and hope that she continues to have an involvement in cycling.”