Australian cyclist Annette Edmondson ended her cycling career at the UCI Track Champions League, bidding farewell to a decade of international racing that included an Olympic bronze medal, two Commonwealth Games gold medals, multiple track world championships, and 16 national elite titles. and 16 national elite titles, she bid farewell to a decade of international racing, winning an Olympic bronze medal, two Commonwealth Games gold medals, multiple track world championships, and 16 national elite titles.

The 29-year-old, who competed on the track and road, faced a difficult few years as international racing was limited and the Tokyo Olympics did not go as planned. At the final Champions League race in London, Edmondson finished third behind Kirsten Wilde, who was also retiring, and Katie Archibald, who won the race.

"Physically I have a few more years, but my heart is at its limits," Edmondson posted on her website.

"I didn't achieve my ultimate goal of Olympic gold on the track, but I did accomplish almost everything else I set out to do."

"On the road, I am a little unsatisfied. I wanted to see what would have happened if I had concentrated on the road for a few years, but now I'm ready for a different phase and (even more excited)," said Edmondson, a seven-time international road winner and Australian criterium champion.

"The risk of crashing also played a part in my decision after suffering a serious concussion in 2018. I am experiencing some issues today from this incident and it puts my goals in perspective."

Edmondson, who first wore the green and gold jersey as a junior 15 years ago, thanked the many people who have helped her along the way, especially endurance running coach Tim Decker, adding that her time in the sport has given her a lot.

"I may not have been the 'perfect' athlete, but I was me. I'm a little rough around the edges to survive the intensity of the world of elite sports."

"I'm not going to let the world of sports get in the way of my life. I encourage you all to do the same. Never lose yourself, even when you are working toward a goal. Speak up if you need help and use the team around you. Make a plan, and if you hit a wall, make another plan. The world really is your oyster.

Edmondson raced for Orica GreenEdge for two seasons starting in 2013 before moving to Wiggle Honda and Wiggle High 5 until the end of 2018.

"I am proud to leave this sport in better shape than when I started," Edmondson said on his website. In 2013, my first two years as a road pro, I rode for one of the best teams in the world, $0. I won two WorldTour equivalent races (including the overall Tour GC title) and the following year I re-signed with $0 with a bonus of A$5,000. The team now pays all players the same minimum wage, with a minimum of A$65,000 per year."

"Track cycling is also in a better situation with UCI Cat 1 and 2 around the world providing more racing opportunities for riders. Despite the negativity towards Australian cycling, I believe we are in a better place than when I started"

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The support structure for the Australian Olympic cycling team was reviewed after the Rio Olympics, following lower-than-expected results of silver and bronze medals on the track, and Simon Jones was appointed performance director. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the athletes to stay in their home countries, and they entered the Tokyo Olympics without having competed in any international competitions, but they did win one bronze medal on the road and one bronze medal on the track.

Edmondson, who represented Australia at the London, Rio, and Tokyo Olympics, acknowledged the negative view of Australian cycling, but also noted the positive aspects.

"When I first joined the Women's Track Endurance (WTE) program, the average age of our group (and the entire 2012 Australian Olympic team) was 22. It was rare for female endurance riders to survive in the program beyond the age of 23 due to "burnout" and "toxic environments."

The average age of the WTE program at the 2021 Tokyo Games was 26. I believe our athletes are in a better, healthier environment with better tools to prolong their careers."

"Australia hasn't had much opportunity to actually race lately, but I think we have a strong group of athletes and the talent is ready.

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