Peter Kennaugh: Former Olympic gold medalist taking indefinite break from cycling due to ongoing mental health issues
The 29-year-old is in the second year of a two-year contract with German team Bora-Hansgrohe
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former British champion and Olympic gold medallist Peter Kennaugh has announced he will take an indefinite break from professional cycling due to ongoing mental health issues.
The 29-year-old is in the second year of a two-year contract with German WorldTour team Bora-Hansgrohe, who have supported his decision.
“I would like to thank everyone at Bora-Hansgrohe for their support and understanding to allow me to recover away from the sport. I wish the team the best of luck for the rest of the season,” Kennaugh said in a statement.
The Manxman had said late last year he hoped to race the Giro d’Italia in May, but has not competed since completing the UAE Tour at the beginning of March.
Last year, he took a break between January and April, saying he had struggled to feel right on the bike.
In a longer post on Instagram, Kennaugh said: “The time has come where it is now necessary to become one with my decision to take a break from professional cycling.
“After many years of struggling on and off the bike, I have made this decision, not only for me, but also for my family.
“I need to concentrate on the person that I want to be going forward and to re-discover happiness, motivation and enthusiasm in my day to day life.
“I can’t thank enough, the people who have helped me through the last couple of years, especially the last couple of weeks. Without having to mention any names, these people will know who they are...I am very thankful for their love and support.
“With hope, I am excited for the years to come and the fresh challenges that lie ahead in and out of sport.”
Kennaugh was part of Britain’s gold-medal winning team pursuit squad on the track at the London 2012 Olympics, and was Britain’s road race champion in 2014 and 2015.
He rode for Team Sky between 2010 and 2017 before joining Bora-Hansgrohe in 2018.
“We thank Peter for his contribution to the team and we wish him well in his recovery process,” Kennaugh’s team manager Ralph Denk said.
“We look forward to him making a full return to professional cycling in the future.”
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments