Canadian Christian Meier has decided to finish his professional racing career at the end of the 2016 season. 

The 31-year-old is currently back in his home country with ORICA-BikeExchangeahead of this weekend’s racing, Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec and Montréal.

Having been a member of the Australian team since it’s inception in 2012, the former Canadian champion has been a huge contributor to the many team victories as a passionate and selfless support rider.

Now ready to draw a line on his successful career, Meier is looking forward to the next challenges outside of cycling.

“I have been racing for many years now,” said Meier. “Although I still love the bike and I continue to enjoy riding, my passions outside of cycling have been growing.

“Cycling has be an incredible period of my life but I am now very excited for what the future holds. Moving forward I will be able to devote more time to growing myself and my businesses in the coffee world. We also have some projects and ideas we hope to explore.”

“I really have to thank everyone who has supported me over the years, especially my wife Amber and also ORICA-BikeExchange for allowing me to part of their project. 

“I have enjoyed my time at this team and have been able to be part of some very special victories and see some of the best young talent develop into World class riders.” 

Sport director Matt White, along with everybody at ORICA-BikeExchange, are grateful for all of Meier's contributions to the team over the years. 

"I have worked with Christian since 2009,” explained White. “He was one of the first guys I thought of when we started this project in 2012.” 

“His work with us over the past five years has been incredible and he has been the ultimate team mate and has helped contribute to many of our great victories.

"He has always been a reliable and tireless worker, spending countless hours and kilometres on the front of the peloton or in the breakaway supporting the team's overall objectives.

"We wish him the best of luck with his future outside of cycling and we are sure he will be successful in his next goals in life, he will be missed."