Cannondale's retirment gift to Ted King - a gorgeous, powder coated Super Six Evo

Ted King has been given a rather spectacular present to mark his retirement from the pro peloton at the age of 32 – not a gold watch, but a Cannondale Super Six Evo with a rather gorgeous powder-coated custom paint job.

The popular American rider has raced the US brand’s bikes for the past five seasons since joining Liquigas-Cannondale in 2011, and when it folded last year moved to Cannondale-Garmin for his final season.

He hit the headlines during his debut Tour de France in 2013 when he was disqualified after finishing seven seconds outside the time limit on the Stage 4 team time trial in Nice.

King rode that day with a separated shoulder, forcing him to use a road rather than time trial bike, and many believed that in the circumstances the commissaires should have exercised their discretion.

Known for his quirky sense of humour – King sells a range of products under the I Am Not Ted King strapline with much of the proceeds going to charity – he rode the bike in his King Challenge sportive today in the spectacular Fall scenery of New Hampshire.

Custom paint SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD for @iamtedking for his long-time commitment to cycling. Thanks for everything Ted! pic.twitter.com/J9tAm9iHJ0

— Cannondale Bicycle (@RideCannondale) October 17, 2015

Up close and personal with @iamtedking SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD. Gold and silver adorn the front end of the bike. pic.twitter.com/wrVqIK7Ujc

— Cannondale Bicycle (@RideCannondale) October 17, 2015

New bike day for @iamtedking. Surprised by @RideCannondale with a retirement bike @KingChallenge! pic.twitter.com/3SHy8DAAl3

— Tim Johnson (@timjohnsoncx) October 17, 2015