Stephen Burke, who was part of the successful British Team Pursuit team that won back-to-back Olympic titles in 2012 and 2016, has announced his retirement from cycling.

The 31-year-old, who also won a world title and three European titles, is retiring after 14 years of track racing with British Cycling.

"When I look back on my career, I am proud to have been an Olympic, World, and European champion, and to have achieved everything I wanted in red, white, and blue with my friends," Burke said in a statement from British Cycling.

"I am eternally grateful to my family, girlfriend, close friends, and everyone who has helped me over the years."

Burke won national and European titles at the junior and U23 levels, and gained prominence at the 2008 Beijing Olympics by winning a bronze medal in the individual pursuit.

He has since become an integral part of the British Team Pursuit team, breaking the world record four times, and at the 2012 London Olympics, he, Geraint Thomas, Peter Kennaugh, and Ed Clancy broke the world record against Australia, winning gold! Four years later, they did it again. Four years later, they again beat Australia in the world record to win the gold medal. Burke's partners this time were Clancy, Bradley Wiggins, and Owain Doull.

"First of all, I want to thank all my teammates on the Great Britain Cycling Team. It was a pleasure working with everyone. Achieving Olympic gold with Geraint Thomas, Brad Wiggins, Pete Kennaugh, Owain Doull, and Ed Clancy has been an epic journey.

"I want to thank all the support staff at British Cycling, past and present. It has been great to be involved with such a world-class organization. I am retiring from international assignments and looking forward to new challenges, but will continue to compete in Six Day events, help local riders with Team SB Hub and CycleSport Pendle, and will continue to ride my bike for years to come."

British Cycling's Performance Director, Stephen Park, added, "Stephen Burke is a fantastic rider and as a mainstay of Team Pursuit, which won two Olympic gold medals and broke the world record at the time, he is a key member of the Academy's He has been a part of both the lineup and the podium lineup.

"Even in his junior and under-23 team days, Burke was winning medals for the team on the international stage; in 2008, he was a reserve rider for the Olympic team and helped them win a bronze medal at a young age.

"On behalf of the entire team, riders and staff, I would like to congratulate Steve on his achievement and wish him success in the next stage of his career. He leaves the Great Britain Cycling Team aware of the pride he has given to our jersey."