Matt Prior has opted to take an usual route back to full fitness, after revealing launching the ONE Pro Cycling team has revitalised his battle to return to action.
The 32-year-old expected to miss four months of action following Achilles surgery on September 4, but the England wicketkeeper still remains unable to set a date for his return.
Surgeons discovered a three-inch tear in his Achilles tendon during his operation - and it was while recuperating in hospital that he resolved to launch a professional cycling team.
ONE Pro Cycling confirmed a three-year deal with chief partner clothing brand F & F on Tuesday night, with co-founder Prior harnessing the enthusiasm for the fight to save his cricket career.
"There's still a realistic chance that I won't play cricket again," Prior told Press Association Sport.
"It was a big operation and the rehab seems to be getting longer and longer, it started off as four months it's now nine months.
"I don't think anyone really knows until I start playing cricket, but it's going in the right direction.
At @ONEProCycling launch, @MattPrior13: "I come at this from the point of view of a cycling fan."#allpartoftheteampic.twitter.com/APlH4t7EGp
— David Garrido (@SkySportsDavid) February 17, 2015
"I'm working very, very hard at it, trying to make sure I give myself the best chance to come back.
"When I first had the operation I set targets for the beginning of the season, or even sooner trying to get away on a winter tour to prove my fitness, potentially for the tour to the Caribbean.
"But what I've come to realise is that this injury could potentially affect my life after cricket.
"I've only got one chance at getting this right, so I don't want to put dates on it and rush back and potentially hamper being fit and able to do things when I finish playing.
"This One Pro Cycling experience has complete re-energised me and whatever the future holds, whether it's in cricket or not, I know that I've learned a huge amount and I will be able to look at it from a completely different point of view, which I think will only make me a better cricketer, which is fantastic.
"We decided to launch the cycling team the day I had my operation: I was lying in hospital firing off emails.
"During rehab you can go to some dark places, so I've been extremely fortunate to have this."
Support my great mate @MattPrior13 when he launches @ONEProCycling tonight. Throws such passion into whatever he does which I love to see!
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) February 17, 2015
Prior stepped down from the end of England's Test series against India last July and Jos Buttler has since filled his wicketkeeping berth.
The 79-cap Test star aims to launch ONE Pro Cycling at the third-tier UCI Continental level, but harbours ultimate goals of competing at the Tour de France, suggesting he may turn his part-time passion into his next career.
Prior aims to buck the cycling trend by refusing to adopt a title sponsor for his team: he admits to immediate funding constraints but remains determined to foster an identity he hopes fans will appreciate.
"Arsenal football club will always have that badge on their chest," said Prior.
"They can have any logo on the shirt, but they will always be Arsenal football club.
"The same with the England cricket team, they will always have the three lions on the shirt.
"So I don't think it needs to be any different in cycling: just because that's how it's been done for years, why can't we change it? Why can't One Pro Cycling be on the chest and remain there, no matter which logos go around it?
"It will be a challenge, it will be a lot of hard work, but as we sit here right now we've done it."
Looking forward to the launch of @ONEProCycling tonight! Want to wish @MattPrior13 and the rest of the team all the very best! #smashit!
— Joe Root (@joeroot05) February 17, 2015