Former BMX and track world champion Shanaze Reade retires at age of 28

Shanaze Reade, who won world titles on the track and in BMX, has retired from top-level competition at the age of 28. She will now work as an ambassador for British Cycling.

The Crewe-born rider won the rainbow jersey in BMX in 2007, 2008 and 2010, plus the BMX time trial in 2011.

She also partnered Victoria Pendleton to world championship gold in the team sprint in 2007 and 2008.

An Olympic medal always eluded her, however. She went into the Beijing Olympics in 2008 as a strong favourite but crashed in the final, while at London four years later she ended up in sixth place.

Iain Dyer, British Cycling head coach, said: “What Shanaze has accomplished over the years is really quite remarkable. Being a world champion five times in two different cycling disciplines is no mean feat and Shanaze can leave the team with a strong sense of pride in her achievements.

“I’m pleased Shanaze has agreed to be an ambassador for British Cycling as she has proven to be a strong role model throughout her career. On behalf of the rest of the team, I would like to thank Shanaze for the hard work she’s put in and the rainbow jerseys she’s delivered over the years and wish her luck with her next endeavours.”

Reade commented: “I’ll always be grateful for the support, training and opportunities British Cycling has provided me with over the years – both on and off the track.

“While my BMX and track career with the Great Britain Cycling Team has been both successful and rewarding, I’m now ready to move on from this experience to see what the future holds.”

Besides working in an ambassadorial role with British Cycling as part of its drive to get more women riding bikes, Reade will also work towards securing training qualifications as she looks to build her BMX coaching business.