Quotes by Victoria Pendleton

Steve [sports psychiatrist] had already taught me to try and stop worrying so much about pleasing everyone. We knew that this was one of my most draining flaws and he again used three groups to clarify my thinking. There would always be some people, Steve said, who would care about me and love me. In contrast there would also be a select group of people who would never warm to me - no matter what I did. And in the middle came the overwhelming mass who were largely indifferent to any of my failures or triumphs. I needed to understand that most people didnt really care what I did or said. All my anguish about how they might perceive me was redundant. Steve helped me realize that I spent too much time trying to please those oblivious people in the middle or, more problematically, the small group who would never change their critical opinion of me. I should concentrate on the people who really did show concern for me.

In tennis, you can have a bad set and still win. The part of track cycling that is difficult to find in other sports is that its so final; theres no second chance if you make a mistake.

It would be great to be recognised for my achievements, but Sports Personality isnt about that.

You have to be realistic. Id love to be more famous, have lots of people supporting me, people knowing my name, but I need a tennis racket or a golf club or to play football. Being a female, I dont stand a chance.

Ive been taught by some of the best strength and conditioning coaches in the country, and Ive learnt that technique for weight training and cycling is very much more strength and less conditioning.

I genuinely enjoy the process of making colourful, delicious food. But I do allow myself an occasional piece of chocolate - today I had a pastry. If I fancy something, Ill have it.

Food plays a large part in our weekend, but on a Friday evening, Ill make us something simple for tea. I might have a wee glass of wine.

I think just drinking juice is too extreme for a diet. Your body needs more than juice, so I think its a very hard thing to do - very challenging and probably very unhealthy for your body. You cant get everything you need from a juice. I love juice because it can provide you with nutrients - but drink it alongside your diet!

I naturally favour a clean, healthy diet. A salad sandwich is one of my favourite meals!

We dont talk about courage much in our everyday conversations, but I am comfortable with it now.

I was put on a pony as a kid at some birthday party when youre all led around.

As you ride in a steeplechase, and youre on the horse, going quite fast, you think, Thats quite a big fence... But trust the horse, and dont give him any reason to doubt you.