Team Sky rider Philip Deignan has announced his retirement from professional cycling, bringing a close to his 14 year career. The Irishman will finish his career after five seasons with the British WorldTour team, announcing the decision on his Twitter page.
'With a combination of sadness but also a huge sense of pride and optimism that I would like to announce my retirement from professional racing,' wrote Deignan.
'As a 15-year-old riding on the roads around Donegal, I never dreamt that I would go on to make the sport I love my job for 14 years. I appreciate all of the opportunities that have come my way and to so many people who have helped me during my career, thank you.
'There have been lots of ups and downs but to be able to finish my career healthy and at the top of my sport with the best team in the world, makes me grateful and proud. On to the next challenge.'
The highlight of Deignan's career came in 2009 while riding for the former Cervelo Test Team. Not only did the Irishman finish ninth on General Classification at the Vuelta a Espana, he also took victory on Stage 18 to Avila en route.
This came after turning pro with French team AG2R in 2005 following victory at the Ronde de L'Isard a year previous. Deignan also rode with Radioshack and UnitedHealthcare during his career, riding a total of 11 Grand Tours.
Deignan is also husband to 2015 women's road race World Champion, Lizzie Deignan, following their marriage in 2016. The couple had their first child, Orla, this September.
Lizzie Deignan will return to racing in 2019 with newly-former Trek-Segafredo women's team as she looks to win a home World Championships in Yorkshire in September.