Sussex star Matt Prior has co-founded a new professional cycling team.

The England wicketkeeper is the CEO of ONE Pro Cycling, a UK based team which will compete at UCI Continental level in 2015 – one below Team Sky.

The 32-year-old former Brighton College pupil has become heavily involved in cycling in recent years and recently set up a company which offers cycling holidays to Mallorca.

Prior is currently recovering from surgery to repair an Achilles injury which wrecked his 2014 season and saw him step down from the England side midway through the summer.

Prior said: “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.

“We have a team that could potentially do something very special and that excites me.”

Prior is due to host the official team launch in February.