Victoria Pendleton’s cycle tracks – Wired UK

The Olympic gold-medal-winning cyclist reveals her workout playlist

i / To warm up
Breathe – The Prodigy, 5:34 mins

“The Prodigy’s Fat of the Land has always been a fail-safe for me. It’s aggressive, and it’s got a good beat to it if you’re on the rollers or warming up.”

ii / While training
No Way Back – Foo Fighters, 3:16 mins

“I listen to a lot of Foo Fighters. The heavier of the two CDs of In Your Honour is full of great tunes. I love Dave Grohl. He’s a very impressive, talented man.”

iii / Preparing for an event
99 Problems – Jay-Z, 3:54 mins

“I interpret the lyrics – ‘99 problems but a bitch ain’t one’ – in my own way. I think that when looking at some of my competitors.”

iv / To gain focus
Angel – Massive Attack, 6:20 mins

“My event is really tactical. This has a heartbeat rhythm to it, which keeps the tempo lower. After the race, I listen to nothing; I feel more tearful than anything.”

v / To relax at home
Disarm – The Smashing Pumpkins, 3:17 mins

“When I have a bath I always listen to the Smashing Pumpkins. I know it’s a bit retro, but I’ve got a whole new-found love for them now.”

This article appeared in the July 2009 edition of Wired UK.