Emma Trott announces her retirement after home stage of Women's Tour
The Boels-Dolmans rider crossed the line in tears this afternoon in her birthtown of Welwyn Garden City, and will end her career after tomorrow's stage

Emma Trott crossed the line in her home stage of the Friends Life Women's Tour in tears today, and announced she was retiring from competition as of tomorrow.
The 24-year-old, who was born in Welwyn Garden City where this afternoon's stage finished, turned professional in 2009.
However, the Boels-Dolmans rider admitted that a lack of enjoyment was the reason behind her decision which will see her bow out at the end of the inaugural event's final day.
“I've not said anything until now, but I'm retiring after this race, so today means a lot more to me.”
“I started thinking it at the end of last year. I love cycling, and that's the problem. I signed a deal with the team anyway, and sometimes when you've had a break you can come back mentally. I was in New Zealand with my partner, and I didn't really want to come back.
“Then I lost two dear friends of mine, and that changed my perspective on life. I went on training camp, and I didn't want to be there, I wanted to get home so badly.
“I raced, and the feelings weren't the same as they were five years ago. I've been a pro for seven years, I've raced for 14, and I've enjoyed it. I have no regrets.”
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Trott also described her emotions as she crossed the finish line in front of the biggest crowds of the race so far.
“It's a bit emotional,” she added, close to tears. “I lost a friend at the start of the year, and he should have been there. I did the lead-out with seven or eight kilometres to go, and then I got dropped. So I rolled in – but it was quite nice to roll in in front of the crowds. I took the moment in, and I'll keep it for life.
“I crossed the line in tears today. Tomorrow will be hard – the close of one chapter, the start of a new one. Monday morning is when it will sink in, I think. I won't have to go on a recovery ride, I can stay in bed and get up whenever!”
She listed her career highlight as her victory in the time trial stage of the Gracia – Orlova race in 2010, in which she beat Marianne Vos.
Trott said: “I had a TT win against Vos, that was special. I've ridden for some of the best teams in the world, I've worked with Marianne, Ellen and Lizzie on this team, Nicole Cooke and Emma Pooley. It's not been bad! I'm 24, and I feel like I've got so much more to give. I want a normal life.”
Trott's team-mate Lizzie Armitstead said of her decision: "It's always a hard decision to make, but I think it's the right one. She's had a good career, and it's difficult to keep always motivated.
"I've enjoyed having her as a team-mate, it's been good having her as part of the group and I wish her well."
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nick Bull is an NCTJ qualified journalist who has written for a range of titles, as well as being a freelance writer at Beat Media Group, which provides reports for the PA Media wire which is circulated to the likes of the BBC and Eurosport. His work at Cycling Weekly predominantly dealt with professional cycling, and he now holds a role as PR & Digital Manager at SweetSpot Group, which organises the Tour of Britain.
-
Cycling and your pelvic floor: What every rider needs to know
How cycling affects your pelvic floor — and what you can do now to prevent issues down the road
By Elizabeth Harroun Published
-
'I really don't know how this has happened' - Katie Archibald set for National Track Championships return after six-year absence
Double Olympic champion is "ready to rebuild" towards the Los Angeles Games in 2028
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Tweets of the week: A wholesome Women's Tour edition full of schoolchildren, dancing, and Shrek
The Women's WorldTour comes to England and Wales, and encounters some good things
By Adam Becket Published
-
Grace Brown takes the stage win after a stunning stage four at the Women’s Tour
The Australian proved too powerful in the closing stages as she sprinted to victory in Welshpool
By Owen Rogers Published
-
Lorena Wiebes secures another convincing Women's Tour victory with stage three win
The Team DSM rider powered away from the rest of the field to take her second consecutive stage victory
By Owen Rogers Last updated