Marty's Party: Having coming back to racing in 2017 with Aqua Blue Sport, Martyn Irvine suffered a bad crash. He has now retired for good but finds a new job in pro cycling.
Martyn Irvine retires but lands new Aqua Blue Sport job
Having come out of retirement from racing to ride for Aqua Blue Sport this year, Martyn Irvine has now decided to hang up his wheels for good.
But the 32-year-old is not going far, having secured a job as director sportif with the Irish ProContinental team.
Irvine’s crowning glory was of course winning the iconic rainbow bands. He secured the scratch race world title in Minsk back in 2013.
And rebounding from a disappointing London 2012 Olympics, he won pursuit silver on the same afternoon as his world title.
Irvine would retire in 2015; his track funding denied him after a difficult run despite his earlier success.
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And having crashed heavily this year he has now decided to move from the riding to management staff with Aqua Blue Sport.
Stephen Moore, team general manager, said everyone at the Irish team was delighted to keep Irvine on board.
“This is a great move for the team. It is always sad to see a great rider retire from competition but Martyn still has a huge amount to give to the sport,” he said.
“With his enthusiasm and sharp intelligence he will be a huge help to our riders. It will be great to see him in the team car in 2018.”
County Down man Irvine was similarly enthusiastic.
“I want to thank Aqua Blue Sport and especially Rick Delaney for this great opportunity,” he said in reference to the team owner.
“I decided to return to racing this year. But when I broke a bone in my hip again this year I knew I had to take a serious look at where I wanted to go next.
“I’ve had a lot of injuries and there comes a point where the body just says no more. I have reached that point.
“I discussed this with Rick and he offered me the sport director role. It is the perfect fit for me and the right decision.
“It is a huge challenge and I have a huge amount to learn but I am really looking forward to 2018.”
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