Becky James announces her retirement from track cycling

Becky James, the two-time Olympic silver medallist and former world champion, has announced her retirement from track cycling.

The 25-year-old published a statement on twitter, saying that, "after 13-years of racing my track bike, it is time to start an exciting new chapter in my life."

James won two gold medals and two bronze medals at the 2013 Track Cycling World Championships in Minsk, Belarus, aged 21.

But preparations for the Rio Olympics were disrupted by a chronic knee injury and cancer scare.

James responded to claim silver medals in the sprint and keirin events in Brazil.

James said the pressure of competing at the top can be 'mentally and physically draining' Credit: PA

James, who is from Abergavenny, plans to pursue her hobby of baking as a business.

Great Britain head coach Iain Dyer said: "It's been an absolute pleasure working with Becky over the years, both in my current role as head coach and my previous role as sprint coach during which I worked closely with Becky.

"To see first-hand how she battled back from injury and illness to claim the silver medal in the sprint and keirin in Rio 2016 was inspiring to see and I count it as one of my career highlights."