Great Britain Cycling Team Performance Director, Stephen Park OBE, has paid tribute to Dani Rowe, who has today announced her retirement from professional cycling.
Rowe’s talent was initially spotted by British Cycling when she was just 14, and she progressed through the talent pathway to establish herself as one of the world’s best track riders, winning Olympic, world and European team pursuit gold medals.
Later on in her career her focus switched to the road, where she again excelled, winning Commonwealth Games road race bronze on the Gold Coast earlier this year to complete her set of major competition medals.
Today marks both the end of one chapter in my career, and the start of a new one. As from today I’m announcing my retirement from professional cycling. Read more here- https://t.co/AK4iLuiRLD pic.twitter.com/oaBlq9nCJV
— Dani Rowe (@DaniKing1) December 5, 2018
After Rowe announced her retirement this morning, saying that she was going out “on a high after the satisfaction of achieving everything and more” that she set out to in the sport, Park said:
“On behalf of everyone within the Great Britain Cycling Team, I’d like to congratulate Dani on what has been a truly exceptional career.
“Dani’s achievements and medal record are there for all to see, but for those who have worked closely with her, she has been not only a wonderfully talented bike rider, but also a true team player who has possessed all the qualities a coach could ask for in a rider.
“Her fighting spirit and resilience have been evident at various points during her career and, throughout her impressive list of achievements, her attitude has been exemplary. That has become increasingly important in recent years, as she’s acted as a senior member of our women’s road squad – she’s been a true role model for the younger members of the squad and, I’m sure, for many, many other riders who have watched from afar.
“This natural talent for mentoring and developing young riders has shone through, and will continue to stand Dani – and those she works with – in good stead going forward. Dani is keen to stay involved with British Cycling and the sport as a whole, which will be valuable to all parties. I look forward to having further discussions with Dani once she’s enjoyed a seasonal break.
“Everyone at British Cycling wishes her the very best for the future.”
Rowe’s first global title came at the 2011 UCI Track World Championships when she won the team pursuit alongside Wendy Houvenhagel and Laura Kenny. The following year saw her replicate this achievement and then go on to claim an historic Olympic gold medal in London, while she then went on to complete a hat-trick of team pursuit world titles in 2013.
Social Reaction:
We all wish @DaniKing1 the best for the future as she retires from professional cycling
— British Cycling (@BritishCycling) December 5, 2018
She's achieved a lot for British and women's cycling over the year's!
Full Storyhttps://t.co/fkZCFogY8d pic.twitter.com/ffon1qgYIB
Congratulations Dani, have a very happy retirement!https://t.co/eKFloca48R
— Chris Hoy (@chrishoy) December 5, 2018
It was an absolute honour to join you during your career @DaniKing1 Always making me smile and loving the journey along the way. Congratulations and enjoy the next chapter, welcome to the other side https://t.co/O6L7ppJHSB
— Joanna Rowsell Shand (@JoRowsellShand) December 5, 2018
So unbelievably proud of you @DaniKing1https://t.co/9aRYvOjzXi
— Becky James (@BecksJames) December 5, 2018