CYCLING: Reigning Australian road race champion, three-time Olympian and dual Olympic Games medlallist Jack Bobridge has been forced to retire from professional cycling at the age of 27 due to his struggles rheumatoid arthritis.

In January, Bobridge produced a stunning effort in Buninyong near Ballarat by riding solo in the lead for more than 90km in searing 33C heat to win the national championship.

He made his Olympic debut in 2008, claimed two team pursuit silver medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, won three track world championship gold medals and broke the individual pursuit world record in 2011.

Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2010, Bobridge was able to manage the chronic condition while still competing.

But racing and training took its toll on his body and after winning silver in the team pursuit at the Rio Olympics, then leaving professional team Trek-Segafredo in September, Bobridge conceded the time was right to step away.

"Since the (Rio) Games and backing off the training and racing load I've found my arthritis has been 100 per cent better," Bobridge told News Corp.

"And I've been able to get off all meds (medication) as well.

"I'm still on the bike three times a week but in terms of the arthritis it's been way less stressful on the joints and body.

Bobridge lined up alongside Alex Edmondson, Sam Welsford, Michael Hepburn and Callum Scotson at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games where the Australians claimed silver behind Great Britain.

AAP