Garfoot calls time on cycling career

The 36-year-old made the announcement via Twitter. 

Racing has been a great journey. I have learned valuable lessons and met wonderful people. However, I spent a lot of time away from my husband, family and friends at home. To rejoin normal life and spend quality time with them, I am retiring from my cycling career as of today. pic.twitter.com/7YnjfnSHcL

— Kat (@Katrin_Garfoot) July 12, 2018

Garfoot's last race was at the Commonwealth Games in April, where she claimed gold the time trial gold medal.

"After the Commonwealth Games I wanted to see if life swept me up and it sort of has. I did not feel like training anymore," she said in a statement.

"My cycling career was an intense time for me and now I want to enjoy life with my friends and family.

"A lot of people asked me 'what comes next for you?' I am not certain of what that is, but I am taking my time to mull over some ideas and see what comes of it."

Born in Eggenfelden, Germany, Garfoot became an Australian citizen in 2013 and was encouraged to take up cycling by her husband.

In the 2017 road world championships, she became the second Australian to win two individual medals at the same road world championships, with a bronze in the individual time trial and a silver in the road race.

At the moment, Garfoot has been working with the AOC’s Mentor Program to assist with the change in life after being an athlete. The program links Olympic athletes with Australian business professionals, to coach them through the next stage of their life.