Mark Cavendish, one of Britain's most successful cyclists, will retire at the end of the season.
In 2021 he equalled the legendary Eddy Merckx's record of 34 Tour de France stage victories.
During a news conference at the Giro d'Italia, Cavendish, 38, said: "Cycling has been my life for over 25 years.
"It's taught me so much about life, dedication, loyalty, sacrifice and perseverance - all important things to pass on now as a father."
He added: "The bike's given me opportunities to see the world, meet incredible people who are involved and not involved in the sport - a lot of whom I call friends.
"Today it's my son Casper's fifth birthday; it's a rest day and I can spend that with them now. Now it's important to be there for every birthday, every school concert - important I can be there for them."
In 2021 he equalled the legendary Eddy Merckx's record of 34 Tour de France stage victories.
During a news conference at the Giro d'Italia, Cavendish, 38, said: "Cycling has been my life for over 25 years.
"It's taught me so much about life, dedication, loyalty, sacrifice and perseverance - all important things to pass on now as a father."
He added: "The bike's given me opportunities to see the world, meet incredible people who are involved and not involved in the sport - a lot of whom I call friends.
"Today it's my son Casper's fifth birthday; it's a rest day and I can spend that with them now. Now it's important to be there for every birthday, every school concert - important I can be there for them."