Mitchelton–Scott's Elvin retires from cycling

Mitchelton-Scott rider Gracie Elvin has officially retired from cycling after the Tour of Flanders came to an end on Monday (AEDT).

Gracie Elvin of Mitchelton-Scott Source: Getty Images

The 31-year-old called time on her career after spending eight seasons with the Australian team, a decision she labelled "very tough" to make.

“(I'm) very emotional,” Elvin said after the race.

“It was a really stressful day today in the crosswinds. I couldn’t get a breakaway – it was too fast.

“I just wanted to empty myself mentally and physically today and help the girls, especially (Sarah) Roy, and give my best.

“I had some tears going down the finish line. I just want to thank everyone in Australia and all of our fans.”

Elvin steps away from cycling having won back-to-back Australian road race titles in 2013 and 2014, a stage at the Internationale Thürungen Rundfahrt in Germany, the Belgian Classic Gooik-Geraardsbergen-Gooik twice, along with a second-placed finish at the 2017 Tour of Flanders.