Ian Stannard (Ineos Grenadiers) was forced to retire at age 33 due to rheumatoid arthritis.

The British classic rider, a two-time winner of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, was diagnosed last year with the disease, which causes inflammation in the joints. Suffering from pain in his wrists, knees, and ankles, he has only raced once since the season resumed in August, when he abandoned during stage 4 of the Tour de Pollogne.

"It's a shame to have to interrupt in this way, but it's clearly the right decision for my health and my family," Stannard said.

"We have explored every option this year to address my condition. During lockdown, I started trying to do something about the problem, but as soon as I got back into racing, I knew that my body was no longer capable of performing at any level."

Ineos' doctor, Richard Usher, explained: "We tried various treatments, but in the end Ian made the best decision for his long-term health."

Stannard started with British Cycling's Academy program, He studied under the tutelage of Rod Ellingworth amongst a talented group of riders including Mark Cavendish, Geraint Thomas and Peter Kennaugh.

In 2007, after working as a stager for T-Mobile, he turned pro with Landbouwkrediet Tennis Steiner.

When Team Sky was founded in 2010, he became one of the first registered riders and has since become one of the leading riders in the cobbled classics.

Stannard won back-to-back Omloop Het Nieuwsblad in 2014 and 2015, the latter famously overcoming a numerical disadvantage in a four-man final against three Quick Step riders; he also made the podium at Paris-Roubaix in 2016.

"As a child, the Classics captured my imagination. I always wanted to ride on cobblestones. In the first year of the team's existence, we finished third in the Cune Brussel Cune in the worst conditions. Even now, my DS, Servais Naveen, asks me if I'm dry! I think there were 26 finishers, but I've always been successful in those conditions," Stannard said.

"My favorite win is definitely the second Omloop win. I broke my back the year before and the recovery process was the hardest of my career. I beat three Quick Step riders in Belgium. I still get asked about that win a lot.

Stannard also wore the British national champion jersey after winning the road race title in 2012. He was also part of the team that supported Chris Froome in the 2013, 2015, and 2016 Tour de France and the 2011 and 2017 Vuelta a España.

"I wanted to continue racing and that flame of competition still burns inside me. But I'm proud of what I've accomplished in this sport, especially racing with this team, and I can look back on my career with great pride. It's a dream come true."

Ineos manager Dave Brailsford said: "Ian is a rider who gives so much to the race and to his teammates, and everyone knows that he always gives his all. Whether he is racing hard on the cobblestones of Belgium or leading the Tour de France, he is one of the hardest and most demanding riders out there."

." He has been a key part of our team from day one and while we will miss him, he has captured the true spirit of our sport and can look back with pride on a career that has thrilled many British cycling fans."