Archibald Ready to Compete in Cycling Again
British cyclist Katie Archibald is aiming for a fresh start as she competes next week in the British National Track Cycling Championships for the first time in six years.
The British news agency PA Media reported that Archibald, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, had a turbulent year in 2024. She did not participate in the Paris Olympics due to an odd accident at her home, but later returned to win her sixth world title in October as part of the British women’s team pursuit squad.
Archibald (30) confirmed that she had a different feeling this winter and took a long break of nearly five weeks, the longest holiday she has had in her career, to reflect on both her short-term and long-term goals.
She said that following the Paris Olympics, in which she didn’t compete, she had placed all her hopes on the World Championships. However, she found that success at the World Championships didn’t provide her with the same motivation or satisfaction she had anticipated.
She added, “We participated in the World Championships and defended our team title. You leave as a world champion, and that was the first time in my career where winning the title didn’t give me that extra motivation to achieve better results.”
Archibald has set a plan for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but the upcoming British National Championships in Manchester from February 21 to 23 will be the first step. This will be her first competition since 2019.
She said, “I don’t really know how this all started.”
She added, “You have an idea of who you are, and then one day you wake up and review the facts, and you have to update that idea. But I’ve always seen myself as someone who enjoys competing in the national championships.”
She confirmed, “Due to the way things evolved, there was always something else that needed to take priority, but I think this is a great opportunity to regain focus and return. I think I’ve been wanting to return to the way things were before, when this was the main goal of my season.”
