The 36-year-old was diagnosed with the condition in 2001, but revealed that recent cardiac examinations identified occurrences of heart arrhythmia, which had previously not been detected.

Following the diagnosis, Rogers has been forced to bring his career to a close, with the Tinkoff rider’s final race coming in the Dubai Tour in February.

“I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all my former team-mates, personnel and team managers from the respective teams I raced with,” Rogers wrote in a statement.

“The endless amounts of fun we had together will always be at the forefront of my mind.

“Many of you have had, and continue to have, a big influence on my life.

“A further mention goes to my worldwide fan base, your support during the good times and the bad is greatly appreciated.”

The Australian became the first man to win three consecutive International Cycling Union (UCI) time trial world titles during his career,claiming the title from 2003 to 2005.

He also claimed Olympic bronze in the discipline at Athens 2004 and gold in the 20 kilometre scratch race at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Rogers also enjoyed success at the Grand Tours, winning two individual stages of the Giro d’Italia and a stage of the Tour de France in 2014.

The Australian also won five stage races during his 16-year career, including the 2002 Tour Down Under and Tour of California in 2010.

Rogers tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol in 2013 but escaped sanction after successfully arguing the result was due to contaminated meat in China.