Pridham on…

… THE JOB OF SPORTS DIRECTOR

‘I don’t see myself as a female DS, just a DS. If you start seeing yourself as different you are already putting yourself on the back foot. It’s a progression – you have to learn the job over many, many years – and I see it as a hell of a privilege.’

… DOGS

‘I’ve got Rocky the Rottweiler, who we’ve had for about 20 years and now weighs 60kg; Sasha, a long-haired German Shepherd dog – an ex-police dog; and two miniature Dachshunds. I love dogs. They are our family. It’s such a nice feeling when I get back from a trip and the sausages are there in the car waiting to see me.’

… MANAGING RIDERS’ EGOS

‘Every bike rider has a personality that you have to manage. You have to know how to handle a difficult rider or a rider who might not have his own way in a race, or who struggles when the form is not there and the results are not coming. That comes with experience.’

… BEING A WOMAN IN THE CYCLING WORLD

‘Cycling is a very maledominated and traditional sport. It’s not that long since women weren’t allowed on the Tour de France, so we’ve come a long way. I’ve always taken the view that if they don’t like me they’re just going to have to deal with it. Nowadays 90% of the teams will treat me as I am – one of them.’