Olympic medallist Bobridge retires due to arthritis
Australian cyclist and Rio 2016 silver medallist Jack Bobridge has chosen to retire after struggling with arthritis during his career.
Two-time Olympic silver medallist Jack Bobridge has retired from cycling at the age of 27 due to the effects of rheumatoid arthritis.
Bobridge claimed second place on the track for Australia in the team pursuit at London 2012 and Rio 2016, while winning three World Championship titles and four Commonwealth Games golds.
He also tried his hand at road racing and took part in four editions of the Giro d'Italia, his only finish coming this year as he rolled home 156th in the general classification while riding for Trek-Segafredo.
However, Bobridge has chosen to call time on his career after struggling with joint pain.
"Since the Games and backing off the training and racing load I've found my arthritis has been 100 per cent better," Bobridge told The Adelaide Advertiser.
"And I've been able to get off all meds as well.
"I'm still on the bike three times a week but in terms of the arthritis it's been way less stressful on the joints and body.
"I don't really care what anyone else thinks I could have done or what I've done, I only went back to Europe this year to finalise things in my own head and I found it wasn't enjoyable with the arthritis and the pain.
"The stuff you have to go through in the Grand Tours and racing, it's just not fun.
"There's pain in my feet, hands and my back. When you get the flare ups your body is fighting it and a Grand Tour is hard enough as it is.
"Obviously I love the bike, the racing and the lifestyle, but I've got a two-year-old [daughter] now and I could drag on for three or four years but come 40 or 50 the damage it's going to do and the arthritis in my body ... I don't see sport is worth it."