James gives up her bikes for baking

Two-time Olympic silver medal list and former world champion becky james has announced her retirement from cycling aged 25.

James won two gold medals and two bronze medals at the 2013 Track Cycling World Championships in Minsk, Belarus, aged 21.

But preparations for the Rio Olympics were disrupted by a chronic knee injury and cancer scare. James responded to claim silver medals in the sprint and keirin events in Brazil.

She said: “Over the past year, I have had time to think about my future and have decided to retire.

“After 13 years of racing, it is time to start an exciting new chapter in my life.”

James, from Abergavenny, plans to pursue her hobby of baking as a business.

“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.”