Choi Ki Ho is touted as the best and most talented rider in China. This is the truth, at least until the 22-year-old Hong Kong rider shocked the cycling officials and fans in China this week with the news that he decided to quit the sport, according to apple.nextmedia.com.

Choi Ki Ho, previously offered a contract by Orica Green-Edge team, is maybe naturally gifted in cycling, but it seems like his interest does not lie in the sport, but in business. "My goal is to have a company of my own, and to be a boss." says the Hong Kong rider. "I've already told my coach in Hong Kong team that I decides to retire."

Choi, mainly a climber who is also competitive in TT, showed his talent first in track cycling, in which he won a gold medal in madison race at a World Cup race. He burst on the road cycling scene too, in 2011 he won the 2.2 race Tour of Korea, and in later years two more GC victories in Asian Tour races were added under his name.

Although there were rumors about it, the decision to move away from the sport still surprises many people. Orica Green-Edge contacted the talented rider in this off-season, offered a contract with the intention to bring him to the Tour de France scene in 3 years. However, Choi is not interested in this, "Cycling races and awards are not my target any more, and it's not that meaningful for me to chase them. I'm very satisfied with what I got in cycling, and now I'm focused on entering the business world."

The Hong Kong Cycling Association tried its best to persuade Choi to remain in the sport. Its chairman, Leung Hung-tak, said he had asked Choi to grab the chance of racing for a World Tour team - "to be offered a contract is very rare" - and to defer his studies  and interest in business area for a couple of years. Hong Kong CA even employed a sports psychologist to convince Choi to change his mind. But Choi doesn't bite, "I have already decided to attend a local university next year and will pursue a business degree. I don't want to be a full-time athlete, too." said the Hong Kong rider.