Victoria’s secrets for health and happiness
VICTORIA PENDLETON is one of Britain’s most successful female Olympians.
The cyclist, 37, won a sprint gold at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and later went on to win gold for the Keirin event at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
By the time she retired in 2012, she’d also won nine gold medals at the World Championships.
After a glittering career, she swapped one saddle for another and is now an amateur jockey and horsewoman. How do you look after your health?
“I thought I’d be a party animal when I retired from cycling, but it just doesn’t suit me. I love eight hours a night sleep and early mornings too much.
“I’m out by 7am walking or jogging with our Doberman dogs, Stella and Mr Jonty, or I’m riding my bike to the stables.
“As I’m an animal lover – and a person who’s quite conscious of my carbon footprint – I’m now almost completely vegan. I have no dairy and only plant-based food with the occasional egg.
“I really appreciate being able to eat what I want, which I couldn’t when I was competing. It was about eating for nutritional content and with a strict routine – which took the pleasure out of it.
“I also had to be a complete carnivore as vegetarian food wouldn’t have given me enough protein and amino acids to maintain muscle mass.”
What’s your biggest achievement?
“Olympic medals aside – horse riding. Last year, in just 12 months, I went from never having ridden to coming fifth in the Foxhunter Chase, over a course with 22 fences. While the medals for cycling were a long time in the making, being able to devote myself in a short, intense period to something completely new was incredible. I knew I couldn’t have given any more of myself than I did. That’s such a good feeling.”
What makes you happy?
“I fell in love with riding on my first lesson and being in the equestrian world gives me a joy that I wouldn’t have believed possible. Working with horses is good for me as I’m a naturally impatient person, but you can’t be with animals, so it’s tempering that strong streak of wanting everything done ‘now’.
“I’m re-training my racehorses with a long-term aim to compete at eventing – which comprises dressage, show jumping and cross country. I love having nothing to prove or chase. I can just indulge my obsession, which is being with horses. I literally get unhappy if I don’t see them every day.”
Who’s the love of your life?
“My horse, Vesper [Vesperal Dream]. He’s a black beauty – Frenchbred, elegant and very slender. He’s very confident, loves looking at himself in the mirror and has such a nice way. All the girls at the stable yard have fallen in love with him as well.
“Oops, actually I’ve just thought that’s a bit embarrassing as I should have also said my husband, Scott! I’m such a horsey lady now. It’s the same when I talk to other female riders – we all mention our horses first and husbands second.”
How do you feel about cycling now?
“I’m just a fair-weather cyclist now. Most of my cycling is to and from the stables.
“Occasionally Scott and I go on a ride for fun, but that’s about it. My biggest disappointment was ending my career when I was 32 because, although I ended on a high, I felt I still had more to achieve. Retiring’s been fantastic as it’s opened up an exciting new world of possibilities for me. I’m an adventurous person who loves change. I’ll give any sport a go – I’ve actually just taken up surfing.”
How do you want to be remembered?
“For being honest. I’ve always tried to be open and honest about who I am, what I do, my challenges and my strengths and weaknesses. I’ve never tried to be anything other than myself.
“I’d like to be seen as a hard worker who took opportunities, but above all, as someone who’s fearless and prepared to try anything.”
Victoria Pendleton has developed a range of women’s bikes exclusively for Halfords. The Pendleton E-Somerby and Bayley are available now.