Nicole Freedman retires

Nicole Freedman, 2000 Olympian and twice US national champion, has announced her retirement from racing. Freedman turned pro in 1994, and over her 12-year career won more than 40 US NRC races, and was a member of the first all-women team to take part in the Race Across America.

Known for her sharp, self-deprecating wit - which she brought to her occasional diary on Cyclingnews - Freedman was also active behind the scenes in running teams such as Odwalla, Treo, Schwab and most recently Ford-Basis. Her decision to retire came about because, she said, she was offered her dream job.

"I was working part-time for the City of Boston to look at plans to bring a citywide cycling festival," said Freedman. "My boss asked me if I would go full time. I said 'no.' He asked a month later and it occurred to me, 'what am I waiting for? This is exactly what I want to do going forward, I better jump on this opportunity while I have it!'"