SIR Bradley Wiggins, who raced through Stroud in the Tour of Britain earlier this year, has announced his retirement from professional cycling.

Thousands lined the streets and hills of Stroud to catch a glimpse of some of the sport's leading stars including Tour de France winner Wiggins and Mark Cavendish in September.

In a statement on his Facebook page, Wiggins announced his retirement today.

He said: "I have been lucky enough to live a dream and fulfil my childhood aspiration of making a living and a career out of the sport I fell in love with at the age of 12.

"I've met my idols and ridden with and alongside the best for 20 years. I have worked with the world’s best coaches and managers who I will always be grateful to for their support.

"What will stick with me forever is the support and love from the public though thick and thin, all as a result of riding a pushbike for a living. 2012 blew my mind and was a gas.

"Cycling has given me everything and I couldn't have done it without the support of my wonderful wife Cath and our amazing kids.

"2016 is the end of the road for this chapter, onwards and upwards, "feet on the ground, head in the clouds" kids from Kilburn don't win Olympic Golds and Tour de Frances'! They do now."