Mitchelton-Scott's Gracie Erwin will retire as a professional cycling rider at the end of this year after eight seasons with the Australian team, the 31-year-old said in a retirement statement released Tuesday that the decision to end her career was a "very tough one."

Nevertheless, the Australian will still ride with the team this season, including participating in the Brabantse Pijl one-day race in Belgium on Wednesday.

Elbin's victories include back-to-back Australian road race wins in 2013 and 2014, a stage win at the Internationale Thürungen Rundfahrt in Germany in 2015, and the 2015 and 2016 Belgian classic Gooik-Gooik- Includes two wins at Geraardsbergen-Gooik, second place in the same race in 2018, and second place in the 2017 Tour of Flanders.

"As we approach the end of the season and my favorite cobbled classic race, I am officially announcing my retirement from professional cycling at the end of this year," Erwin wrote in a statement posted on the Mitchelton Scott website.

She joined the team in 2013 after a season with Italian team Farren Honda and has since been an integral part of Mitchelton Scott's setup, often riding as a support for Annemieke van Fruten and Amanda Spratt, especially has also enjoyed her own opportunities in the Belgian Classics.

"As an Australian female cyclist, it is difficult to succeed in this sport for economic and cultural reasons.

"There are too many people to thank in this letter," Erwin continued, "but I would like to take this opportunity to thank team owner Jerry Ryan. His love and dedication to this team never wavered and the women's team was never overlooked. He has been one of the most influential figures in the growth of cycling in Australia and much of my career is due to the opportunities he has created for people like me over the years."

Erwin also acknowledged that the mid-season race suspension due to the coronavirus outbreak contributed to her decision.

"The race interruption this year allowed me to get away from my usual routine and to realize that my values had changed and no longer fit with the demanding lifestyle of professional cycling." It has given me many wonderful years." "I am so glad I followed my dream for so long."

Gracie Ervin's full retirement statement:

As we approach the end of the season and my favorite cobbled classic, I am officially announcing my retirement from professional cycling after this year.

It was a very tough decision considering all the great aspects I have to leave behind, including the team I have spent my career with. It is a testament to the team culture at Green Edge that so many riders and staff have been with us for so long. It is a very professional environment, but more than that it is a family and a very fun group. As a female cyclist in Australia, it can be difficult to be successful in this sport for economic and cultural reasons. This team has always been a leader in creating opportunities for women to grow and excel. I have ridden with some of the best riders in the world, learned a lot from them, and had the support of many great staff members.

There are too many people to thank in this letter, but I want to take this opportunity to thank team owner Jerry Ryan. His love and dedication to this team never wavered and the women's team was never overlooked. He is single-handedly one of the most influential people in the growth of cycling in Australia and I owe much of my career to the opportunities he has created for people like me over the years. He was also one of the most personable people you could ever meet, and along with his beautiful wife Val, always gave so much of his personal time and energy to us. On behalf of many riders, I think I can commend Jerry.

There are many lessons the sport can teach us. For me, I learned how to be brave by being vulnerable and not being afraid to fail. I have always raced well on instinct and have learned to trust my instincts for the rest of my life. Finally, I have learned that it is the people in your corner that make all the difference. I have grown my community and without these strong connections, none of it would have been worth it. My parents were the start of my community and I could not have done this without them.

Taking a break from racing this year allowed me to get away from my usual routine and to realize that my values have changed and no longer fit with the rigorous lifestyle of professional cycling. It has allowed me to have some great years and I am so glad I chased my dream for so long. When I look back on my palimpsests, I have much to be proud of. If I went back 20 years ago and met my 12-year-old self who had just started riding, I don't think she would have imagined all that I have accomplished, not only in racing, but as a leader, a role model, and a person willing to stand up for what I believe in.

I want to thank all the fans and supporters who have supported the team and me. I have worked so hard for these last few races so I can enjoy the last moments and create wonderful memories with these special people.