Caroline Ryan, Ireland’s first ever senior women’s World Championship cycling medallist, has announced her retirement.
Ryan has represented Ireland on the international stage since 2008, with the highlight of her career a bronze medal at the World Track Championships in Melbourne in 2012 - Ireland's first World Championship medal in over 100 years. Harry Reynolds won gold in 1896 and bronze in 1897.
The Kildare woman also won bronze at the Track Cycling World Cup in Aguascalientes, Mexico in 2013.
"Caroline has left a path behind her for the next generation of Irish Cyclists to follow and that’s a great legacy to leave behind" - Coach Brian Nugent
The multiple-National Champion also won a silver medal as a pilot for Catherine Walsh at the 2009 Paracycling Track World Championships, being the first bike to win a medal for Ireland at Paracycling World level.
Ryan said: “I want to thank everyone who has supported and helped me over the years especially my coach Brian Nugent, Cycling Ireland, Sport Ireland and all of the support team along with the Irish Institute of Sport and SINI.
“I'd also like to thank the people who have supported me through sponsorship and followed my career over the years. I couldn't have achieved all that I have without your help.
“My Dad has always been a major inspiration and driving force behind my career as an elite athlete and I would like to say a special thanks to him for that.
“I feel that my involvement with the sport of cycling has not ended and that in the future I will be able to contribute to its advancement and success in some way. “
Nugent said: “Caroline has left a path behind her for the next generation of Irish cyclists to follow and that’s a great legacy to leave behind. She has proven that it can be done and I know Caroline will be eager to see her success be carried on.”
