Matt Prior realises his professional cycling dream with ONE Pro Cycling

English wicket-keeper batsman Matt Prior launched ONE Pro Cycling, a new cycling professional team at Millbank Tower in London on Tuesday.

Recovering from an Achilles operation, the 32-year-old will serve as the co-founder and chief executive of the start-up professional cycling team which intends to compete at the UCI Continental level, one tier below Team Sky.

The 12-man team will be led by Yanto Barker, a Welsh professional racing cyclist.

Add Cricket Country as a Preferred Source

Talking to The Guardian about his new business venture Prior said, “Cycling is a huge passion of mine and I am delighted to be setting up ONE Pro Cycling with a team of experienced and dedicated people.”

“It will be a big challenge but one I’m thoroughly looking forward to. The group of riders we have is an exceptional one – not only because of the team’s ability on the bike but also the spirit we have off it. We have a team that could potentially do something very special and that excites me,” he added.

The South African-born cricketer thanked his fellow team mates for their support on Twitter.

.@lukewright204 @ONEProCycling thanks mate hope you’re enjoying the sunshine! See u soon

— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) February 17, 2015

.@StuartBroad8 @ONEProCycling thanks champion. Go well in the next game mate!

— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) February 17, 2015

@joeroot05 @ONEProCycling thanks rooty lad. Good luck in the next game pal. All the best from the sunny UK

— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) February 17, 2015