Prior focused on new cycling team, not KP
Sidelined England wicketkeeper Matt Prior has launched a professional cycling team, and says he is focusing his energies on that, rather than on the negativity about him after Kevin Pietersen's book was released.
Prior has been out of action for months after undergoing Achilles surgery, and has been following his other passion, cycling, and launched the One Pro Cycling team, which will start competing in 2015.
Prior was one of the big targets in Pietersen's book, released in October, with the disgruntled batsman claiming Prior was the leader in a 'bullying culture' dressing room and that the keeper called himself 'The Big Cheese'.
Prior told Sky Sports on Tuesday: "It was obviously a very tough, a very sad period for me, for my family, to have those accusations leveled against you and everything else.
"But look, I've come through it. Everyone's moved on; I think people want to move on. All I've ever been about is the team and what is best for the team and helps the team win, and the best thing for the England cricket team is to move on, move forward.
"They've got a huge winter coming up with the World Cup and the Ashes next summer; it's no good bringing up old news.
"From a personal point of view I've been hugely busy with the cycling team. I've had to put a lot of energy in getting fit myself, having had quite a big operation.
"So that's my sole focus for the moment – looking forward, getting the cycling team up and running and getting fit again."
His cycling team will compete one level below where Team Sky race, and Prior has gathered names like Pete Williams and Marc Hester to compete.
Prior added: "Cycling is a huge passion of mine and I am delighted to be setting up ONE Pro Cycling with a team of experienced and dedicated people.
"It will be a big challenge but one I'm thoroughly looking forward to. The group of riders we have is an exceptional one – not only because of the team's ability on the bike but also the spirit we have off it."
Latest
-
News
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.
-
Women's Cricket
Heather Knight urges more composure from England after New Zealand collapse
The tourists needed just 29 from 29 balls with eight wickets in hand.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australia ‘sandpapergate’ ball-tampering controversy erupts
The incident led to Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft being banned from playing for Australia.