SD Worx-Protime has learned that Anna Shackley has been forced to retire from professional cycling due to heart problems. Shackley has undergone multiple tests since January, and her medical team has confirmed that she suffers from a heart arrhythmia and other cardiac arrhythmias.

SD Walks Pro Time also confirmed that she immediately stopped training and racing. Her medical team concluded that the cardiac arrhythmia was not compatible with a top-level sports career.

"Cycling has been my life since I can remember, but unfortunately it came to an untimely end," Shackley wrote on Instagram.

"It's been an incredibly fun time of peaks and valleys, meeting some of my closest friends and traveling the world.

"I had so many plans and ambitions for the future and it hurts to have them taken away. However, I feel fortunate to have had the unique experience of becoming a professional in my hobby. Wee Anna would never have believed it.

"I don't really know what the near future holds, but I will learn to adapt to my new normal. I have received many messages of support since the news broke. It may take me a little while to respond, but it doesn't mean I haven't seen it."

Shackley last competed in SD Walks Pro Time at the 2023 European Championships, where she finished second in the under-23 women's road race in September.

SD Worx-Protime stated that she was first diagnosed with a heart arrhythmia in January. She then underwent a heart exam at Maxima Medisch Centrum in Feldhoven in conjunction with SD Worx-Protime's medical team, where doctors discovered several arrhythmias.

At this point Shackley was taken off the motorcycle and underwent extensive tests and procedures at a hospital in Barcelona.

Shackley was from Milngavie, north of Glasgow, Scotland, and was a graduate of British Cycling's Performance Pathway Academy.

Now 22, Shackley has had success at the junior level, finishing third overall in the Watersley Ladies Challenge, a UCI-sanctioned Nations Cup, and 12th in the junior road race at the World Championships.

He then turned pro with SD Works in 2021, when he was 19, and competed in the road race and time trial at the Tokyo Olympics with British Cycling.

Shackley grew up at SD Worx-Protime, where he was mentored by some of the world's top riders, including Anna van der Breggen. Known for his strength in the mountains, he has finished in the top 10 overall at the Tour de Romandie, Challenge by La Vuelta, and the UAE Tour.

She has also finished 13th overall in the Giro d'Italia, Tour of Scandinavia, and Women's Tour, and 14th overall in the Vuelta a Burgos.

"We are very sad to see Anna's cycling career end this way," said Danny Stamm, SD Worx Protime's sports manager.

"She was a huge talent in the women's peloton. We saw her progress steadily in recent years and believed she could grow to the top of the world. It is especially disappointing for her that she is now forced to take a hiatus."

"On the other hand, we are also happy that we were able to prevent further dangerous complications. We hope Anna can return to a "normal" life and will work with the team to see how we can help."