Tracy Moseley has confirmed she will be defending her world downhill title in 2011.

Moseley, world silver medallist in 2006, capped a 14 year career by upgrading to gold in Mont Sainte-Anne, Canada in September.

And the 31-year-old has put the prospect of retirement on the back burner now that she will ride with the rainbow jersey on her back in 2011.

“I had started to think how many more years I could go on,” she told BBC Hereford and Worcester. “But the chance to wear the rainbow jersey isn’t something I’ll turn down.

“I’ll have another 12 months on the full World Cup circuit and then I’ll re-assess next year to see if I want to compete at such a high level.

“Whether it’s time to start winding down and getting into a teaching role, I am sure I will still be riding and racing at some level.”

The world title was the only major accolade missing from Moseley’s bulging trophy cabinet but the Trek rider admits forging a career in downhill has not been easy.

“The whole of downhill mountain biking is funded through bike companies, so we have to rely on them wanting to advertise their bikes by using us as riders,” she added.

“It is tough, every year is not guaranteed so you have to sell yourself and show yourself as worthwhile using their brand.

“Sadly cycling is not seen on the back pages of the papers, getting any publicity is hard for the sport, but I’m used to it in some ways.”