• Former Team Sky rider has mental health problems • Kennaugh has had ‘years of struggling on and off the bike’

Peter Kennaugh is to take an indefinite break because of mental health problems. The 2012 Olympic gold medallist and former British champion is in the second year of a two-year contract with the German WorldTeam Bora-Hansgrohe, who are supporting his decision.

“I would like to thank everyone at Bora-Hansgrohe for their support and understanding to allow me to recover away from the sport. I wish the team the best of luck for the rest of the season,” Kennaugh said.

The 29-year-old had hoped to ride in the Giro d’Italia in May but has not competed since completing the UAE Tour at the beginning of last month. Last year he took a break between January and April, saying he had struggled to feel right on the bike.

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Kennaugh wrote on Instagram: “The time has come where it is now necessary to become one with my decision to take a break from professional cycling. After many years of struggling on and off the bike I have made this decision, not only for me but also for my family.

“I need to concentrate on the person that I want to be going forward and to rediscover happiness, motivation and enthusiasm in my day-to-day life.

“I can’t thank enough the people who have helped me through the last couple of years, especially the last couple of weeks. Without having to mention any names, these people will know who they are … I am very thankful for their love and support.

“With hope, I am excited for the years to come and the fresh challenges that lie ahead in and out of sport.”

Kennaugh, Ed Clancy, Geraint Thomas and Steven Burke won gold in the team pursuit at the London Olympics and he was the GB road race champion in 2014 and 2015. He rode for Team Sky between 2010 and 2017 before joining Bora-Hansgrohe last year.

He was once described by Cycling Weekly as “the most talented youngster to roll off the Isle of Man production line since his friend and star sprinter Mark Cavendish”.

“We thank Peter for his contribution to the team and we wish him well in his recovery process,” his team manager, Ralph Denk, said. “We look forward to him making a full return to professional cycling.”

• In the UK, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. You can contact the mental health charity Mind by calling 0300 123 3393 or visiting mind.org.uk