Katie Archibald's Memorable Columns: A Blend of Wit and Wisdom from the Cycling Champion
Olympic cycling luminary Katie Archibald, renowned for her prowess on the track, also demonstrated exceptional talent as a writer during her two-year tenure as a columnist for Cycling Weekly. Her engaging and humorous prose captivated readers, offering a unique blend of opinion and insight into the world of professional cycling. Following her recent retirement from competitive cycling, we revisit a selection of her most memorable articles, celebrating her articulate contributions to the sport's discourse.
Delving into Archibald's Articulate Archives
In November 2017, Archibald penned a thought-provoking column discussing tattoos, specifically the iconic Olympic rings and the Ironman "M-dot" symbol. She reflected on her own Olympic tattoo, acquired after her debut at the 2016 Rio Games, humorously describing it as a "branding" rather than a choice. Initially drawn to the Ironman tattoo, Archibald playfully revealed her shift in perspective upon realizing the cycling community's lighthearted rivalry with triathletes. With a wink and a nod, she asserted that, as a dedicated cyclist, she was "obliged to trash-talk triathletes," humorously vowing to never get the Ironman emblem.
January 2018 saw Archibald chronicling her experiences at a training camp in Tenerife with Team GB, where she shared a hotel with Team Sky. The professional team's diligent hand hygiene, emphasized by "Zero days" posters, aimed to prevent illness during Grand Tours. Archibald comically recounted contracting a cold despite her own meticulous hand-foaming efforts, feeling "mortified" by the perceived failure. Despite this minor setback, she went on to achieve remarkable success at the Track Nationals a week later, securing gold medals in the individual pursuit, points race, and scratch race, showcasing her unwavering determination and talent.
In February 2018, Archibald reflected on her early career, recalling her first visit to the Dutch Apeldoorn track for the World Championship after being selected for Team GB in 2013. She humorously recounted her initial encounter with Shane Sutton, who greeted her with the memorable line, "You look ****ing terrifying." Archibald embraced this unconventional introduction, stating she was "proud to have [her] first bad-man Shane Sutton story in the bag so early." This World Championship marked her 16th international representation for Great Britain, where she clinched a gold medal with Emily Nelson in the Madison and a silver in the team pursuit, solidifying her status as a formidable competitor.
A November 2018 column captured Archibald's reflections after receiving a runner-up award at the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year ceremony. She likened cycling to public speaking, emphasizing that "timing is everything." Recounting an interview at the event, she candidly admitted her struggle with articulating her thoughts, her "arrogant desire to have the world hear [her] speak" often collapsing into a flurry of "um's, 'ehm's and 'well's." This self-deprecating humor resonated with readers, as she playfully acknowledged her tendency to ramble. Serendipitously, the event's goodie bag contained a magazine advertising a book on public speaking, which she promptly resolved to order.
In October 2019, Archibald delighted readers by featuring her equally talented brother, John, in her column. Following her victory in the scratch race at the Poland GP track event, she humbly acknowledged John's bronze medal win in the mixed relay TTT at the Yorkshire World Championships. Joking about their familial rivalry, she quipped, "What's a win at the Poland GP when your brother is on the podium at the World Champs?" This heartfelt nod to her brother highlighted the close bond and mutual respect within the Archibald family, both on and off the track.
November 2019 saw Archibald looking back at her introduction to cycling as a teenager. She reflected that her initial motivation wasn't necessarily to be the best, but rather to "hang with the cool kids." She found the cycling scene, particularly riding "fixies" in Edinburgh and connecting with like-minded individuals, to be incredibly appealing. Though she had been a competitive swimmer, cycling captivated her due to its social aspects and the opportunities for weekend adventures. Archibald humbly described her journey not as that of an Olympic champion driven by an intrinsic desire for greatness, but as a "vain teenager who liked racing because it was a weekend away in the van with people I wanted to be like." This honest and endearing perspective offered a refreshing take on the motivations behind athletic success.
Katie Archibald's columns offered a rare blend of athletic insight and genuine wit. Her ability to translate complex racing experiences into relatable narratives, infused with self-effacing humor, made her a beloved voice within the cycling community. Her writings serve as a testament to her multifaceted talent, proving that her impact extends far beyond the velodrome.