Victoria Pendleton

“My success has got so great, it's like I'm trapped, almost, within it.”

“It's a rare and special feeling to ride a racehorse.”

“I'm not one for going out on the town on Friday night, as I've never been a big drinker, so I like getting the rubbish jobs out of the way so we can enjoy our free time.”

“I'm someone who wears their heart on their sleeve.”

“You look at a horse, and he's such a majestic, beautiful, powerful creature that you can't not be impressed. I love scraping the water off them when I wash them down because you go all round the contours, and its muscle and body, and you just think, 'Ooh, isn't this a magnificent creature.' You're touching it, and it's just solid, carved muscle.”

“I was put on a pony as a kid at some birthday party when you're all led around.”

“I think just drinking juice is too extreme for a diet. Your body needs more than juice, so I think it's a very hard thing to do - very challenging and probably very unhealthy for your body. You can't get everything you need from a juice. I love juice because it can provide you with nutrients - but drink it alongside your diet!”

“I've been told from the start, 'Don't fall in love with the horses'. But that's so hard. I'm in awe.”

“I used to have a rant all the time when things went wrong, at everybody around me, because you just have to get the frustration out.”

“We've all said, 'No, no, I couldn't do that... ' But actually, you could if you just went, 'You know what? I will... and I shall.' Once you realise that, it's quite wonderful.”

“It's a very unique feeling - to be that strong and unbreakable. But I'm working towards it.”

“Don't get me wrong: there are some fantastic people who work at British Cycling who kept me together, who were there when I was struggling with it all. They were walking the same tightrope in many ways, because if you do speak up, your days are numbered.”

“Maybe guys also have insecurities, but in a sporting arena, they keep it to themselves. I can't do that.”

“I've always been very fond of animals.”

“To be honest, after you've crossed the line at the Olympic Games, it is bedlam for the next, about, five or six hours. Media, press conference, dope control - you might get some food if you're lucky. You might see family if you're lucky.”

“Cycling as a whole is totally underestimated.”

“I quite enjoy sport, and I'm now an Olympic champion. It's a bit weird, isn't it?”