British Olympian Lucy Martin announces her retirement from cycling

British Olympian Lucy Martin has announced her retirement from cycling with immediate effect, aged 25.

The Whiston-born rider, who raced for Matrix Pro Cycling in 2015, has competed in the sport for 10 years after being scouted on her school field by British Cycling.

She rode the London 2012 rode race in support of Lizzie Armitstead, and was part of the Garmin-Cervélo, AA Drink-Leontien.nl and Boels-Dolmans squads alongside her fellow Brit between 2011 and 2013.

In a reflective web blog posted to Matrix's website, Martin wrote: “Every single athlete is eventually faced with the question: when do I retire? I have decided now.

“After seven seasons as an elite rider I have finally realised that this is the time, and I am lucky to be in a situation where I have been able to make this decision on my own terms and I am ready to start the next chapter of my life.”

>>> Lucy Martin: Famous Last Words

The junior British road race champion in 2008, Martin most recently raced on home soil with a combative performance in the RideLondon Women’s Grand Prix at the start of August.

After suffering a difficult year with the Estadio de Mexico-Faren squad in 2014, Martin was full of praise for Matrix, who will assist her as she seeks pastures new within the sport.

“I was given a great chance this season racing for a British team, Matrix Fitness, full of support with a really refreshing approach to racing," she added.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my season. It is this high that has led me to make this decision to end my career now with a good feeling and great memories.”