'As you well know, fellow cyclist, we're all obliged to trash-talk triathletes': Six of the best columns Katie Archibald wrote for Cycling Weekly

Katie Archibald, renowned for her dominance on the bike, also demonstrated a remarkable talent for writing during her tenure as a columnist for Cycling Weekly. Over a two-year period before the Covid-19 pandemic, she combined sharp insight, humour, and personal anecdotes to engage readers, offering a unique perspective from inside the world of competitive cycling. Her retirement from professional racing marked not only the loss of a formidable athlete but also the departure of a gifted storyteller whose columns remain accessible on the publication’s website. Among her memorable pieces, Archibald’s November 2017 column on tattoos stands out for its wit and candidness. She reflected on her Olympic rings tattoo, which she regarded as a natural emblem of pride following her debut at the Rio Games in 2016. However, she also revealed a humorous reluctance to get the Ironman ‘M-dot’ tattoo, citing the cycling community’s lighthearted disdain for triathletes. This playful rivalry, she noted, is part of the cycling culture, where triathletes are often the subject of good-natured trash talk. Archibald’s columns often blended humour with behind-the-scenes insights into elite sport. In January 2018, she recounted a training camp experience in Tenerife where she battled a cold despite rigorous hygiene protocols championed by Team Sky. Her self-deprecating tone highlighted the pressures athletes face to maintain peak condition, yet she still triumphed shortly after by winning multiple gold medals at the UK Track National Championships. Another piece from February 2018 offered a glimpse into her early encounters with British Cycling coach Shane Sutton, capturing the intimidating yet formative moments of her career. In a November 2018 column, Archibald reflected on her struggles with public speaking after being named runner-up at the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year Awards. She candidly described how her confident inner voice often gave way to hesitation and filler words when addressing an audience, a vulnerability she contrasted with her assuredness on the bike. This self-awareness and willingness to share personal challenges added depth to her writing, resonating with readers beyond the sporting world. Archibald also occasionally brought family into her columns, notably featuring her brother John, who is also an accomplished cyclist. These stories added a relatable and human dimension to her reflections, illustrating the shared passion and competitive spirit that runs through her family. Collectively, her columns offer a rich tapestry of humour, honesty, and insight, celebrating both the triumphs and tribulations of life as a professional cyclist.