Victoria Pendleton: I'd struggle to earn respect working at British Cycling right now
The former Olympian says she'd love to take on a role in the organisation but only in a system she felt comfortable with
Victoria Pendleton said she’d “love to be involved” at British Cycling if she was asked in the future, however doesn’t think she’d be given respect if she was at the organisation as it is currently.
>>> How British Cycling’s nightmare week unfolded
The two time Olympic gold medallist retired from racing in 2012 and has since switched to competing in horse racing, and will be working as a pundit for the BBC in Rio this August.
Pendleton has spoken out about the culture she experienced while an athlete on Team GB, in light of allegations of sexism at British Cycling and following Shane Sutton’s resignation as technical director last month. An independent review is currently being conducted into a culture of fear and bullying at the organisation.
“I would love to be involved [at British Cycling], of course I would love to be involved,” Pendleton told Cycling Weekly at the BBC’s launch for the Rio Games in London on Thursday.
“I’d want to be involved with a team and a system that I’d feel comfortable with. I wouldn’t be treated as an equal [now],” she continued. “I think I’d struggle to earn the respect.”
The 35-year-old recalled a meeting she had with former British Cycling performance director Dave Brailsford when she was an athlete, and he asked her about her future plans in the sport.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Watch: Lizzie Armitstead - Road to Rio
“He asked me ‘where do you see yourself in I think five, 10 years time?’ And I said ‘in your chair Dave’ and smiled,” she explained. “He thought it was quite funny and I was like ‘well what do you want me to say? I’ve got to aim high’ — so I aimed at the top.
“Actually, Shane Sutton came at me after that saying ‘well I’ve stolen your chair now Vic’, not in a funny way, when I left the programme. I thought yeah, maybe not yet, maybe in the future.”
The former track cyclist said she did not believe the scrutiny BC is currently under will be having an impact on the riders’ preparations for Rio.
“As an athlete you’re so focussed on what you do, you’re so determined and driven with your own personal goals I don’t think it would really make a difference,” she said.
The BBC is bringing extensive coverage of the 2016 Summer Olympics live from Rio. Beginning August 5th across TV, radio and on the BBC Sport website.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
-
Shimano Ultegra C60 wheelset review: fast rolling and great value, if a little heavy
The Ultegra C60 wheels share many similarities with the more expensive Dura-Ace model except for price and weight
By Andy Turner Published
-
The 16-year-old bike that's just won the Men's British National Hill Climb championships
Rim brakes, no paint, tiny seat stays and a decade-old groupset are still plenty fast enough to help champion Harry Macfarlane see off some serious competition
By Joe Baker Published
-
UCI confirm investigation launched into 'unapproved' frameset used by Saint Piran
British team glued fake UCI compliance labels to open mould frames purchased from far east
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
British Cycling to 'supercharge' Tours of Britain with new IMG deal
Global media company to help get media and commercial rights into a "healthy place" in order to invest into other parts of BC
By Adam Becket Published
-
British Cycling 'embraces' challenges in reviving domestic scene
Governing body shares task force update, revealing it has tackled fewer than half of its previous recommendations
By Tom Davidson Published
-
British Cycling's future secured by 'game-changing' title sponsor deal with Lloyds Bank
The 'landmark' partnership will see the bank sponsor the Tours of Britain and be present on GB's cycling kit
By Adam Becket Published
-
British Cycling targeted by anti-Shell billboards
Activists from Brandalism have replaced adverts with their own artwork across the country ahead of Shell's AGM
By Adam Becket Published
-
Laura Kenny, Britain’s most successful female Olympian, announces retirement
Kenny won five Olympic and seven world titles during her illustrious career on the track
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Former Ineos Grenadiers boss Rod Ellingworth becomes race director of Tour of Britain
"I feel a real responsibility to get this right," says Ellingworth about new role
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'We'll have rounder wheels than everyone else' - Team GB confident in new Olympics tech
Updated Hope-Lotus bike won't feature until Paris, confirms performance director Stephen Park
By Tom Davidson Published