I’ve noticed many riders in Welwyn colors while cycling around Hertfordshire. How significant were the Wheelers to your journey? Dan
They played a huge role! Becoming part of a cycling club at a young age was essential for honing my skills and boosting my confidence on the bike. I firmly believe that surrounding yourself with the right individuals can elevate everyone’s performance, right from the start. Whether it’s riding with friends or a club, finding peers who share your ambition is crucial.
It’s been wonderful watching you and the team rack up so many victories over the years. I had a bike accident a couple of years back and dislocated my shoulder. As a senior citizen, I still find it tough to ride far due to the pain I experienced. Given your own history with injuries, what strategies can help me get past this? Brian
Take your time; don’t rush to hit long distances too soon. Cycling can be challenging, and after a long break, it’s easy to lose your endurance. The good news is that it’s just as simple to regain it! My suggestion is to ease back into it with shorter rides frequently, gradually increasing your distance week by week, which should help restore both your fitness and your confidence.
Do you occasionally ride to the shops? I have this impression that “racing” cyclists tend to avoid “utility” cycling. Is that the case for you or Jason [Laura’s husband]? Chris
Haha! When we were professionals, if we weren’t training, we aimed to keep off our feet as much as possible. However, now that we’re retired, we do a bit of it, mainly to enjoy the outdoors with the kids. I received a city bike with a front basket as a retirement gift, and it’s surprisingly comfortable. Jason has an e-bike, which is incredibly practical, allowing the whole family to join in on rides!
I take immense pride in all your accomplishments, especially the renaming of the Reg Grundy leisure center in Cheshunt to Laura Trott. While I’m sure he was a nice person, it wasn’t a great name. Do you think they should update it to reflect your name? You should be the one to cut the ribbon if they do! Eddie
That gesture truly meant a lot to me, and I’m proud to be from Cheshunt. It’s an honor to have a place where I spent my childhood named after me. At the time of the name change, I was already known as Laura Trott, and I know how much work goes into renaming such places. I wouldn’t expect them to change it again, and it serves as a nice reminder of London 2012, so it’s perfect as it is!
How many of your gold medals would you sacrifice to see Spurs win the league? Antony
Although I would love to see Spurs lift the league trophy, my gold medals represent years of dedication, sacrifice, and hard work. I could never bring myself to trade them for anything!
I’m a huge fan of watching cycling, especially velodrome events. What other events, aside from cycling, are you looking forward to at the Olympics? Scott
Second to cycling, my passion lies with trampolining, so I am thrilled to catch the action next week. I did a lot of trampolining in my youth, so I have a good grasp of the sport, and now my son enjoys it immensely as well! We have high hopes for Bryony Page, the reigning world champion who has already claimed a silver and bronze at previous Games. Hopefully, Paris will be her chance to add a gold to the collection.
It’s been fantastic to watch your Olympic journey, thank you. Which other British competitors at this year’s Olympics, aside from cyclists, are you most excited about? Probo
Helen Glover is remarkable, and I can’t wait to see how she performs upon returning for another Games. I am acutely aware of the sacrifices and challenges in balancing family life while striving for a medal, so it would be wonderful to see her succeed.
Some of my most exhilarating moments as a sports fan come from watching you, Jason, and the GB cycling team win Olympic medals. I find myself pacing in my living room, squealing and shouting at the TV like a banshee. How will you keep calm as a pundit, especially if we win gold? Debra
Since I’ve only just retired, most of the women’s track team are still close friends of mine, and with Jason coaching the men’s team, it’s going to be a challenge to stay composed! Thankfully, as a pundit, I have the opportunity to discuss races before and after they happen, so hopefully, my excitement won’t be too intense.
Your husband’s last race – at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 – was phenomenal. There were moments when I thought, “He can’t do this, can he? Wait, he can!” How did your feelings watching him compare to your own gold-winning experiences? Greg
I’m generally a nervous racer, but as a spectator, Jason’s Tokyo race was on another level. The drama at the start had me extremely anxious, so when he finally launched off the starting line, I felt immense relief. Witnessing him do so well filled me with joy. While nothing truly compares to winning your own gold medal, watching your loved one cap off their Olympic career in such a remarkable manner is a close second!
During those tough moments in training, how did you manage to lift your spirits? Ken
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Conversation has been key; I always emphasize that it has been my most crucial tool for maintaining mental health throughout the years. I never bottling things up—if someone or something bothered me, I’d make it a point to discuss it rather than let it simmer and negatively impact my mindset.
How did you manage your emotions during the London 2012 Games? Was it challenging to stay grounded as a teenager under such scrutiny? Sam
London 2012 was relatively easy for me; I arrived as somewhat of an underdog, having only been part of the Olympic program for a year or two. My main aim was simply to relish the experience. I felt incredibly fortunate to be there and was focused on enjoying the amazing atmosphere London provided.
Your ability to maintain discipline and focus amid the chaos of racing is one of your standout traits. Outside of racing, you appear spontaneous and natural. Is this focus innate, or have you developed it? How do you reconcile instinct with your preparation during a race? By the way, I think it’s your unique combination of being unguarded off-track and fiercely focused on-track that makes you so endearing! Phil P
I’ve always been highly competitive and detest losing. I know the best way to avoid it is to commit to being the best. However, there’s a delicate balance between sticking to your strategy and seizing opportunities as they present themselves. We train for various scenarios to ensure we are the fastest, and if you know you’re the best out there, executing your game plan while staying out of trouble generally leads to victory.
I was born in 2004 and have never experienced an Olympic Games in America. If possible, could you consider coming out of retirement for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics? Kurt
I’m quite content enjoying my retirement, but there are many promising young athletes on the rise. Whatever unfolds in 2028, you can expect to see some extraordinary talent competing!
Can you recall your very first race? What was that experience like? Sean
You’re putting me on the spot! For my first race, you’d probably have to check with my parents; they always had a knack for remembering those events. However, the first major race that stands out to me is when I became junior world champion in 2010. It marked a turning point in recognizing my potential, and I distinctly remember the exhilaration of realizing, “I’m the fastest in the world; how awesome is that?”
How often are you riding these days, and for how long? Ian
Currently, not much! I’ve been relishing time with Jason and the boys, taking a well-deserved break. I’ll get back to cycling eventually, but right now, I cherish this time with my family. I have started running, which I never did while training as a cyclist. It’s a refreshing change, and I can bring the buggy along!
