Jeremy Hunt has announced that he will call time on his professional cycling career at the end of the current season.
Briton to end career at end of 2012
Jeremy Hunt has announced that he will call time on his professional cycling career at the end of the current season.
The 38-year-old, who will line-up in the Tour of Britain on Sunday, is one of the longest-serving riders in the peloton, having first been introduced to the professional ranks with Banesto back in 1996.
At a time when British road riders were struggling to make it at the top level, Hunt became a fixture in the European peloton and proved his worth in teams based all over the continent.
He spent four years at Banesto and then went on to ride for BigMat-Auber 93, MBK-Oktos-Saint Quentin, Mr Bookmaker, Unibet.com, Credit Agricole and Cervelo TestTeam before signing with Team Sky in 2011.
One of cycling's true hardmen, Hunt won the British national road title twice, as well as taking the GP Ouest-France in 2002. He regularly featured at the pointy end of the cobbled classics, claiming podium finishes at Dwars door Vlaanderen and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne.
In his later years he was always willing to pass on his wealth of cycling knowledge to younger riders. A tireless worker on the bike, Hunt was also a member of the British squad that helped Mark Cavendish to glory at the 2011 World Championships.
Jeremy said in a statement: "As a young boy I dreamed of racing my bike professionally. With the support and guidance of many, I was able to pursue those dreams.
Experiences
"Through the difficult times and memorable moments, the experiences during my career have been far more fulfilling and memorable than I would have ever imagined.
"Those moments will stay with me forever, have matured me and have given me a lifetime of experiences. I know cycling will always remain a part of my life, whether I am a professional or city commuter, as it is my passion.
"After reflecting on my career and considering my future and family, I have made the decision that this will be my last season of racing.
"Despite my unwavering love of cycling, this is the right moment to retire from racing. With my new-born son in my arms my perspective changed. It has become increasingly hard to leave home for a race. I am now a father, first and foremost.
"The years have flown by far faster than I ever imagined. But now I feel ready to pursue other dreams and goals, as I did when I was a boy working to become a pro cyclist.
"There are many people I would like to thank who have helped and supported me over the years: the Mid Devon road club and Colin Lewis guided me as a boy; CC Giro and Bob Grinsell and Pascal Codier at St Quentin taught me and coached me through the ranks. As a professional I rode for many teams but in Team Sky I found home.
"I am most indebted to my partner Narelle, who has supported me through the extreme undulations of a cyclist's career. An Australian, she made Europe her home so I could pursue my cycling goals. I look forward to sharing more time with her and my son in retirement.
"I'll always ride. I'll be up for a good day out on the bike, a town sign sprint and a café stop. So, I hope to see you out on the road."
Team Sky would like to thank Jeremy for his significant contribution to the team over the last two seasons and wish him all the best in the future.