Cyclist Victoria Pendleton reflects on the Commonwealth Games and looks ahead to the World Championships in France next week in an exclusive column for The Comet STOTFOLD S Victoria Pendleton added the Commonwealth Games sprint title to her World Champio

Cyclist Victoria Pendleton reflects on the Commonwealth Games and looks ahead to the World Championships in France next week in an exclusive column for The Comet

STOTFOLD'S Victoria Pendleton added the Commonwealth Games sprint title to her World Championships win last year.

Not one to rest on her laurels, she is now back in training ready to defend her world title.

Victoria, who is 25, said: "The Commonwealth Games was a great competition but it almost feels like the event didn't happen.

"As soon as the cycling events were over I returned back to England to get back into training as the World Championships in France are near and I have a world sprint title to defend!

"In fact, after the cycling I watched the rest of the Commonwealth Games on my television at home!

"I had gone to Melbourne with the aim of winning the sprint and medalling in another event and I was very pleased that happened.

"When I was beaten by Australia's Anna Meares in the 500m I wasn't too surprised as that is the event she is strongest in, whilst I am better over the sprint.

"It was then close in the sprint final but I was delighted to win and actually did better out there than I thought I would do.

"The entire British team actually had some great results and it's brilliant to be part of such a successful team.

"Success really does breed success and when you see others medalling in their events it inspires you to do the same yourself.

"We have worked hard over the past few years to get a formula in place that works and we have done a lot of experimenting but we are definitely at the stage where we can take on the rest of the world and be successful.

"The men in particular are very strong but watch out over the next couple of years for some strong female riders who will be up there on the world circuit.

"It really is because of the National Lottery funding the sport receives that we are doing so well.

"We have world-class facilities and a great support team behind us but we need to be training as full-time athletes to compete internationally and the Lottery enables us to do this. As a consequence we win medals!

"The World Championships in Bordeaux will be pretty tough as there are some great Russian, French and German riders that will be in there with the other Commonwealth countries we faced just a couple of weeks ago and a handful of girls competing who are all capable of winning the title.

"The Commonwealth Games has given me confidence going into the event and I will have to see how it goes.

"There is always an element of a bit of luck in the races to see who you are drawn against and different tactics of the race.

"My aim though is to retain the sprint title and I am working hard at the moment to do so.

"Then I will sit back and reflect on what I achieved in Melbourne!