LONDON: Becky James, a former world champion and Olympic silver medallist, announced her retirement from cycling on Thursday and plans to pursue her ambition of making cakes for a living. James won the World sprint and keirin titles at the 2013 Track Cycling World Championships in Belarus and took silver at the same events at the 2016 Rio Olympics. But the 25-year-old preparations for last year’s Olympics were disrupted by a chronic knee injury and a cervical cancer scare, prompting her to take an extended break to decide her future. James had also suffered glandular fever, an appendectomy and shoulder surgery among a litany of frustrating ailments throughout her career. Having grown tired of her endless fitness issues and the intense focus required to compete at the highest level, James has swapped life on a bike for a baker’s apron. “Over the past year, I have had time to think about my future and have decided to retire from international track sprint racing,” James said. “After 13 years of racing my track bike, it is time to start an exciting new chapter in my life.” “For a long time I’ve had a passion for baking and have loved making special wedding and birthday cakes for friends and family. “I’ve had great feedback from those who’ve enjoyed my cakes and it’s my intention to now pursue this passion as a business, along with some exciting other projects going forward.” Published in Daily Times, August 18th 2017.