Matt Prior says co-founding a professional cycling team has helped him move on from the very public criticism levelled at him by Kevin Pietersen.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Prior, recovering from an Achilles operation, was accused in Pietersen's autobiography of helping to create a culture of bullying inside the England team.
But speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, the 32-year-old – now chief executive of ONE Pro Cycling – said he has barely had time to reflect on the accusations.
Tough
“It was obviously a very tough, a very sad period for me, for my family – to have those accusations levelled against you and everything else,” said Prior.
“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.”
Pietersen, who is preparing to play for Melbourne Stars in next week’s Big Bash League, revealed on Monday that he has not given up hope of playing for England again, despite being told in February by the England and Wales Cricket Board that his services were no longer required.
Prior – whose last appearance for England came in July – refused to be drawn on the possibility of Pietersen returning to the international stage.
“It’s not something I’ve given too much thought to. I’m having to worry quite a bit about my own game at the moment,” he said.
“I know it is a straight bat but it is what it is. All my energy at the moment has gone into the cycling team.”
Passion
ONE Pro Cycling’s 12-man squad is led by Yanto Barker and will aim to compete at UCI Continental level, one tier below Team Sky.
"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,” said Prior.
"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.”