Veteran Australian cyclist Brett Lancaster officially announced his retirement from competitive racing yesterday and will now join Team Sky as a directeur sportif.
The 36-year-old enjoyed a successful 14-year career as a professional road cyclist as well as achieving the ultimate feat on the track – an Olympic gold medal.
Lancaster’s decision comes after four year’s racing with ORICA-GreenEDGE having joined the Australian outfit for its inaugural season in 2012.
“Having the opportunity to join an Australian professional team and finish my career there was definitely a dream come true,” Lancaster said. “Just lining up in the Tour de France in that first year was amazing to be part of, but to be a part of the team time trial win and having Simon Gerrans in yellow in 2013 was incredible.”
Within his time at ORICA-GreenEDGE the Shepparton-born rider has contributed to some of the team’s biggest victories, including its first ever Grand Tour stage win courtesy of Matthew Goss at the 2012 Giro d’Italia and at the 2013 Tour de France where he played a major role in the team time trial victory and four days in the yellow jersey. He was also a major contributor in the team time trial victories at the Giro d’Italia in 2014 and 2015.
“Brett was one of the first riders selected for the inaugural year of the GreenEDGE team in 2012 and his contribution to the team has been appreciated,” general manager Shayne Bannan said.
“Brett has been involved in ORICA-GreenEDGE’s major victories and has bought a great deal of experience to the team.
“It was a pleasure to watch his commitment and passion towards his teammates and to the sport that he has given so much too. Thanks Brett.”
Prior to his time with ORICA-GreenEDGE Lancaster was a multiple world champion and Olympic gold medalist on the track. Lancaster and his Australian team pursuit squad broke the world record in their gold medal-winning ride at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
He was awarded an Order of Australia medal in 2005 and in the same year won the prologue of the Giro d’Italia to claim a stint in the maglia rosa leader’s jersey.
“When you look at all the years, nothing comes close to the Olympic gold medal. As an athlete that is the pinnacle,” Lancaster said.
“And on the road winning the prologue at the Giro d’Italia and taking the Maglia Rosa is a special memory. At the time I was living in Italy and riding for an Italian team so it was even more special.”
Having announced his retirement, Lancaster will join Team Sky as a directeur sportif.
“For many years I’ve wanted to stay involved in cycling once I finished racing professionally,” Lancaster said. “This career move and for them to believe in me, it’s fantastic.”
“It’s moving on and it’s a massive step but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
