Laura Trott reflects on a "mad journey" from virtual unknown to world champion and Olympic contender.
British cyclist looks certain to be in Olympic team
Laura Trott admits she finds it hard to believe the "mad journey" which has taken her from being a virtual unknown to world champion and bona fide London 2012 medal contender in little more than 12 months.
Just over a year ago, Trott was a promising youngster who thought she would get her chance at an Olympics in 2016.
One world and three European titles later, the 19-year-old looks almost certain to be representing Great Britain at this summer's Games and a decent bet for further glory there.
Trott, who is from Cheshunt in Hertfordshire, claimed her first senior European gold in the team pursuit in November 2010 and retained the crown in 2011.
She also became European omnium and world team pursuit champion last year and is now set to compete in both events at the London Olympics - a reality she is struggling to get to get to grips with.
Rapid rise
"I went from being a junior, into the senior ranks and then straight to being world champion within just a few months," said Trott.
"It has been a pretty mad journey for me, but a good one - I never even thought I would have a chance for 2012. I had always thought 2016 would be my year because I would be at peak age, 24. I still can't quite believe it to be honest.
"It has been a whirlwind for me, and it happened so quickly that it is hard to take it all in."
Trott is glad the environment of the GB squad is one in which she can easily approach senior members - such as Sir Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton - who are more accustomed to fame.
"They are always there to speak to," Trott said. "It is not like in football - I don't think you'd ever be able to go up to Wayne Rooney or David Beckham like that, whereas in our sport you can. It is really nice."
Pendleton is someone who certainly knows what it is like to experience a surge in profile and Trott mentioned the women's sprint Olympic gold medallist in particular as someone she has been able to go to for advice.
Style icon
The 31-year-old has become a poster girl for the sport and a style icon beyond it since her success at the Beijing Games in 2008.
Pendleton is retiring after London 2012, though, and asked if she would like to inherit the tag of cycling's glamour girl, Trott said: "I wouldn't want to step straight in her shoes or feel like I'm replacing her, but yeah - why not?"
Trott's immediate focus is on next month's London World Cup at the Olympic velodrome, which she feels will be an opportunity to get a mental edge over Britain's rivals ahead of the Games.
She said: "I think if other squads see us do a good time and ride really well on that track, they will be thinking 'they are still going to be training on that track, and we haven't beaten them.' I think it will be good psychologically."
