The national performance director will pursue a new position outside the sport.

"Having reflected on what I want the next stage of my career to look like, and whether those objectives would also best serve elite cycling, I know the decision to leave is the right decision," Jones said in a statement.

Jones was recruited from Great Britain's powerhouse cycling program in 2017 after Australia's disastrous performance in the sport at the Rio Olympics.

"Running a high-performance program is one of the toughest gigs in sport and while it will be sad to farewell Simon, we respect his decision to pursue a new opportunity outside elite cycling," said AusCycling chief executive Marnie Fechner.

She paid tribute to Jones in a lengthy statement, saying he had made several significant changes to Australian cycling's high performance program.

"The team and coaching staff are motivated and fully prepared to execute on their plans in Tokyo and expect that their performances will pay tribute to Simon's leadership," Fechner said.

Jones said it was a difficult decision, adding there were several factors.

"The next phase of my career enables me to continue my lifetime passion for the bike, remain in Australia, commute less frequently and enable a timely recruitment process to be undertaken," he said.

Australian Associated Press