Victoria Pendleton reflects on life beyond elite sport and the adventures she's finally free to take on Routes with Jenni Falconer

From childhood cycling tours with her dad and travelling the world as an elite athlete, to embracing adventure simply for the joy of it after retirement, Victoria explains how years of competing at the highest level meant travel was always focused on training and performance. Retirement has given her the freedom to explore the world on her own terms, including finally ticking skiing off her bucket list after years of being banned from the slopes.

Speaking to Jenni, Victoria says:

A lot of my travelling was for training purposes rather than for pleasure. When you're travelling to a competition there's a level of anxiety that you're travelling with that I thankfully don't necessarily have anymore, which makes it much easier to appreciate the journey and relax a little bit more.

Reflecting on finally learning to ski after retiring from cycling, she adds:

That was something I'd literally been dreaming about doing in retirement. I love being a novice. I really enjoy being coached and learning new skills. Every day you can see yourself improving and that's really satisfying.

Episode highlights include:

Childhood adventures on two wheels: Victoria recalls touring the UK by tandem with her dad, staying in youth hostels and exploring the countryside - experiences that sparked both her love of cycling and travel.

Why Colombia stole her heart: Despite having no connection to South America, Victoria says Colombia became one of her favourite destinations thanks to its welcoming people, vibrant atmosphere and passionate cycling fans, who affectionately dubbed her "La Reina Victoria."

A lifelong love of learning: Whether it's skiing, horse riding or taking on a completely new challenge, Victoria explains why she enjoys being a beginner and believes personal growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.

Britain's hidden gems: While she loves exploring the world, Victoria says some of her favourite escapes are closer to home, singling out the Lake District and the UK's countryside as places she returns to time and again.

The train journey she'll never forget: Victoria laughs as she recalls the time her dad accidentally boarded a train while helping her move to university in Newcastle, leaving her mum watching from the platform as he disappeared towards Peterborough.

Routes with Jenni Falconer sees the broadcaster travel across the LNER network with well-known guests, uncovering the journeys, destinations and memories that have shaped their lives.

The episode featuring Victoria Pendleton is available from 1st September 2026 on all major podcast platforms.