Donegal professional cyclist Philip Deignan has announced his retirement from the sport.
The 35-year-old Letterkenny man rode in 10 Grand Tours – winning a stage of the 2009 Vuelta a Espana.
After five years riding for Team Sky, Deignan has called it a day.
His current contract was due to run out at the end of this year.
“With a combination of sadness but also a huge sense of pride and optimism that I would like to announce my retirement from professional cycling,” Deignan said.
“As a 15year old riding around the roads of Donegal I never dreamt that I would go on to make the sport I love my job for 14 years.
“I appreciate all the opportunities that have come my way and to so many people who have helped me during my career, thank you.
“There have been lots of ups and downs but to be able to finish my career healthy and at the top of my sport with the best team in the world, makes me grateful and proud.
“On to the next challenge.”
Deignan finished third in a stage of the Giro d’Italia in his first year with Team Sky and last year he came 37th overall in the Giro.
When Deignan won stage 18 of the Vuelta in 2009, while riding for the Cervelo Test Team, he became the first Irishman since Stephen Roche in 1992 to win a stage of one of cyclings Grand Tours.
Deignan also competed at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and was 81st overall.
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