Aussie cyclist Lancaster retires

Australian Olympic gold medallist Brett Lancaster has retired from competitive cycling to take up a role as sports director at Team Sky.

The 36-year-old, who won a team pursuit Olympic gold medal in 2004, ended his riding career with a four-year stint at the Australian Orica-GreenEDGE team.

"I'm very excited. It's a big move and I think you have to adapt from being a professional cyclist to being a sports director," Lancaster said.

"There's a lot to take on board and it's been pretty intense, but I'm over the moon."