Scottish cycling star Katie Archibald is gearing up for a pivotal moment in her career as she prepares to compete in the British Track National Championships in Manchester (21-23 February). This marks her return to the event after a six-year hiatus, following a tumultuous year that saw her miss the Paris Olympics but triumph at the World Championships.

A Year of Highs and Lows

In 2024, Archibald faced a major setback when a freak accident at home ruled her out of the Paris Olympics. However, she bounced back in October, securing her sixth world title as part of Great Britain’s women’s team pursuit in Copenhagen. Despite this victory, Archibald admitted to feeling an unexpected sense of emptiness, leading her to take a five-week break—the longest of her career—to reassess her goals.

Rediscovering Her Passion

Reflecting on her journey, Archibald shared:

"After missing the Paris Games, I pinned everything on the World Championships. Winning the title didn’t give me the elation I expected. It was an ironic comedown, something I’ve never experienced before."

Her return to the British Track National Championships represents a chance to reconnect with her roots. Archibald expressed her excitement about competing in her first nationals since 2019, describing it as a chance to revisit the "main goal of my season" and reignite her love for the sport.

Looking Ahead

Archibald’s focus extends far beyond Manchester. She has mapped out her ambitions, targeting the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Her long-term vision includes inspiring the next generation of cyclists, much like she was inspired by the talent emerging from the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow.

Key Takeaways

• Archibald’s return to the British Track National Championships marks a significant reset in her career.
• Despite her 2024 successes, she seeks to rediscover the joy of competing and redefine her goals.
• Her long-term targets include the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Olympics.

As Archibald embarks on this new chapter, her resilience and determination continue to inspire both fans and fellow athletes.