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Australian cycling star Grace Brown, who will retire from racing at the end of this season, will be the new president of The Cyclists' Alliance advocacy body.
Australia's retiring Olympic and world cycling champion Grace Brown has given a big indication of what comes next, becoming president of a major advocacy body in the sport.
Brown, 32, will succeed Iris Slappendel from The Netherlands, another former top-level rider, in the key role at The Cyclists' Alliance.
Slappendel was one of the foundation members of the organisation when it was formed in 2017 to provide support for current and retired female professional riders.
Brown's appointment comes a week after she won her first world time trial championship and helped Australia win the mixed team relay event at the Zurich worlds, also for the first time.
She won Australia's first gold at the Paris Olympics on day one, navigating treacherous conditions in the city centre to take out the road time trial. It was also her first Olympic medal.
Brown had announced earlier this year she is retiring at the end of the season. Her hot run of form has prompted plenty of queries about whether she might keep competing.
But the Australian star wants to spend more time in Melbourne with family and friends.
Her TCA presidency means Brown will stay a high-profile figure in the sport.
"Iris and all the other board members have made a tremendous contribution to the (professionalism) of women's cycling," Brown said in a foundation statement.
"Their ambition and dedication were unmatched, and they have contributed greatly to the growth of the organisation as well as the recognition of the rider's rights."
Slappendel said she is proud of what the foundation has achieved, despite some backlash in a sport that has often been notorious for its sexism.
"With Grace becoming president, I know the organisation is in good hands," Slappendel said.
"She is a well-respected leader in the peloton and understands the needs and concerns of the riders in a changing landscape.
"She is easily approachable and not afraid to go after the change she and her current colleagues want to see to drive sustainable systemic change."
Women's road cycling has enjoyed a surge in popularity over the last few years with the revitalised Tour de France Femmes a key driver.
The foundation also announced another high-profile Australian, Amanda Spratt, is among several members stepping down from their rider council.