James Lowsley-Williams is putting the brakes on his professional cycling career to join the Global Cycling Network (GCN).
And the 26-year-old will line-up for the cycling YouTube channel alongside former Canyon Eisberg team-mate Chris Opie, who announced his retirement last month.
The pair were “unboxed” by GCN presenters Simon Richardson and Dan Lloyd on Tuesday evening.
Opie has already got stuck into full-time work with the channel, while Lowsley-Williams will continue racing for Tim Elverson and Canyon Eisberg until the end of the season.
The Cotswolds rider admitted it was a tough decision to leave the sport after the best part of a decade as a professional.
But the former UK Youth man, who was a key part of the Tour Series title triumph last month, believes the opportunity was too good to pass up. Lowsley-Williams said:
“I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported me over the past seven years.
“It has been a bit of a whirlwind journey. I had three great years at UK Youth, another three at NFTO and the past two here with Canyon Eisberg.
“It has been an incredible experience. I’ve worked with some incredible people and raced with some incredible riders.
“I came into the sport with the ambition of reaching the World Tour. I’m realistic enough to recognise my time has probably passed now.
“So when this opportunity came along, to marry my love for the sport and the camera together, I had to take it.
“I am excited to start a new career in presenting with GCN. While it is something that has always interested me, I never really thought it would happen.
“I’ve had an incredible time with Canyon Eisberg and I can’t thank Tim enough for the faith he has put in me over the past 18 months.
“I love my team-mates, I love the team and have loved every minute of being part of its success.
“There is no doubt in my mind they will go on to bigger and better things and I look forward to following their progress.
“I will leave with a heavy heart but also with some amazing memories. Hopefully, there is still time to make a few more between now and the end of the season.”
Lowsley-Williams’ primary goal between now and the end of the campaign is ensuring Canyon Eisberg qualify for the Tour of Britain.
He is likely to be a key man in the final three scoring events – the Tour of the Reservoir, Bristol Kermesse and Stockton Grand Prix.
Having helped UK Youth team-mate Marcin Bialoblocki to An Post Rás glory and Adam Blythe to RideLondon success at NFTO, he will retire with no shortage of memories.
Over the past two seasons, he has taken a lead role in making sure Elverson’s squad shine at home and abroad.
He has been a key figure in both Tour de Yorkshire appearances, starring in the stage one breakaway last season and carrying the general classification baton this year.
Lowsley-Williams enjoyed a memorable Tour Series campaign last term, reeling off a string of top-10 finishes only bettered by the overall crown this time around.
He also aided Max Stedman’s ascent to general classification glory at the Tour of Quanzhou in China in December.
