Real Talk: Victoria Pendleton on why she retired from cycling

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We sit down with former British cyclist Victoria Pendleton, who opens up about having to leave the system because of emotional and psychological stress.
Real Talk explores and celebrates health and well-being topics experienced by athletes. The mission of the series is to reduce the stigma and educate on topics often overlooked by the media.
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[@tulyar57]

The irony is that Victoria is a world champion. You don't get there unless you are both incredibly determined and focussed (talent being a given). The fact that she was subjected to the micro management and tyranny of that regime speaks volumes. Her achievements will outlive those of the team behind her.

[@ThePensionerAdventurer]

A really interesting interview, I have always been a fan of Victoria, obviously her record on the bike is fantastic but also her focus when adopting other challenges since she retired... a great bike rider and nice lady

[@trevoredensor7114]

It's worth reading her book to fully appreciate her life and cycling career, very shameful in many ways how she was created by the management and coaching staff. Good to see her interview now and hope that she is in a really good place personally, wish her all the very best and gratitude for the joy and pride she gave us in her career. You were the jewel in GB cycling ❤

[@Chris-xv2gm]

As Brad Wiggins says of her, 'she's a milkshake.'

[@Chris-xv2gm]

She is a total drip.

[@dogxcd]

@@Chris-xv2gmwould the more enlightened version of SBW say that now-I don’t think so

[@andrewcalladine2507]

@@Chris-xv2gm What a stupid thing to say, suggest you go and have a good look in the mirror troll.

[@andrewcalladine2507]

@@dogxcd quite right, considering Wiggins has gone through hell the last few years I think he may think differently now.

[@seamusweber8298]

VP was a phenomenal cyclist. But she's correct, the singular focus on performance comes at a huge cost. It's a pressure cooker for certain. I think this woman has a lot of advice and guidance to offer the sport.

[@sids1214]

This is so true of so many aspects and avenues of work in the UK. Being spat of the system at the end - I mean this hit deep. I’m sorry she had to go through this, but thankfully there’s a bright side.

[@TerryMcbye]

Great interview

[@ChrisSpriggs-rj2ys]

That’s my favourite cycling cafe in Poole😊 I think BC was like many employers but the rewards were greater It’s good that they have improved their hr

[@ccbanger1414]

She lovely ,why can’t I get a woman like this❤️

[@MS-sy8ls]

Legend 🙌🏻

[@onlineperson123]

Unbelievable athlete and an inspiration

[@richardbright3826]

She was amazing! One of a kind!

[@Robert_Thomas832]

Imagine it could be hard to retire and put your feet up. Though clearly offers came here way - horses, Pendleton bikes etc. Can't really complain. Olympic champion 🏆

[@wills2552]

Clearly British cycling employed a single minded system/program where the athletes were just a (replaceable?) cog in the machine, we all cheered their success but it clearly comes at a price, but that level of performance often does.

[@JohnButler-iq8rl]

I'm quite conflicted listening to this but the way back treated victoria towards the end of her career sounded appalling but given how certain team staff were 'hung out to dry' over 'jiffy gate' I shouldn't be surprised----conversely I can recall speaking to a lady who was one of the first women on the wcpp in 2000 and being astonished at the level of financial support she got and then later reflecting on how good the likes of beryl and mandy and numerous others must have been to be as good as they were with only a bare minimum support from the then before and probably more down to family support---its just an observation and in no way did I want to upset anyone.

[@normhanson981]

The Queen of the track.

[@carlobalzer3238]

Cycling 🚲 legend

[@gamegunter]

Sky Sports News, Collaborating with you would be epic! Let's do it!

[@stephentaylor3787]

Big whoopdy doo for BC to have made all the changes since 2017, shame they didn’t treat the 9 time WC with the respect she deserved at the time……..

[@Chris-xv2gm]

Basically, she was pathetic.

[@nathanwarren5616]

Stotfold legend!

[@glenwood5718]

she done it her own way.

[@paulastin944]

VP is a legend. I hope BC have learned a few lessons along the wayon how to treat pepole, especially after that nasty piece of work Shane Sutton was in charge. What he did to Jess Philips among others was nothing less than bullying.

[@ohyesitsme]

She looks like Michelle Pfeiffer.

[@superbantam523]

Looks nothing like she did

[@gerryfrancis3350]

British Cycling sounds completely toxic

[@Chris-xv2gm]

Pendleton is a mental case.