Jonathan Tiernan-Locke won’t be returning to pro cycling

Considering he won one second category race last season, it may be that you had already reached this conclusion – but now Jonathan Tiernan-Locke has reached it too. He told the Exeter Express and Echo that he lacks the motivation to return to the pro ranks.

Former Team Sky rider Tiernan-Locke served a two year ban as a result of a biological passport violation, returning to racing in 2016.

While he was unhappy to only be granted a Category 2 licence – describing British Cycling’s decision as “a bit petty” – he didn’t do much to prove them wrong, winning only the Modbury Spring Road Race, a regional A event in South Devon.

"I'm glad I raced last year, even if I was never that fit, as I felt I needed to come back and compete at some level,” he said.

"I just about did the bare minimum in training, often missing a few days' riding at a time – and that was the polar opposite to the way I was before.

"I have searched for the motivation, but the fact is that it's difficult to get fired up about the kind of races that I once saw as stepping-stones to the pro world.

"To make the sacrifices needed for me to be decent again, I'd need to be in a completely different mindset. And I wouldn't want to be a pro again anyway."

Tiernan-Locke now works renovating property and despite his attempts to launch the Saint Piran cycling team doesn’t seem to have much inclination to race even at lower levels for the time being.

"I love what I'm doing at the moment,” he said. "Although I'm 32, I haven't had a long career of racing, so if and when the desire to race returns, I might do another season.

"I still love riding, and I do intend to get back on the bike soon. But for now, I just plan to keep fit and enjoy being a social rider – even if I probably will get stuck in now and again."