Earlier today, Joanna Rowsell Shand announced her retirement from international cycling competition. She’s spent over a decade with Team GB cycling hard to secure an impressive number of wins and titles, but now the athlete is turning her attention to fresh challenges.

In a public announcement today, Rowsell Shand explained: “I have achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to in cycling including five World titles, four European titles, Commonwealth Gold and two Olympic golds as well as countless World Cup and National Championship medals across both team and individual events… the decision to step away has been the hardest I’ve ever had to make, but now is the time for me to move on.”

“Having been part of the GB Cycling Team for over 10 years, travelling around the world racing my bike, today I am announcing my retirement from international cycling competition.” – Joanna Rowsell Shand

It isn’t only her incredible talent that makes Joanna such a well-loved sportswoman of Britain, but her pro-active approach to promoting women’s cycling, and being an inspiration for future generations of cyclists will surely leave a lasting impression on women everywhere.

Earlier this year Joanna released information about a women’s-only sportive that she will be running this May in Rochdale. The event hopes to welcome over 300 women to ride alongside the British Olympian, and have the opportunity to meet many like-minded bicycle riding women.

We’re hoping to see many more events such as these in the future, as Joanna sets up her own coaching company ‘Rowsell Shand Coaching’, alongside training for her longest bike ride yet: L’Etape du Tour.

Here’s what fellows riders and team-mates have to say on social media