Laura Trott

The undisputed queen of British track cycling continued a business as usual approach to victory on the boards in 2013, despite combining her efforts in the velodrome with her debut season at the sharp end of women’s professional road racing. The diminutive Trott doesn’t have the appearance of a big eater, and may refuse your offer of ‘seconds’ when the trifle is served, but her appetite for victory is seemingly insatiable.

Adding British, European, and world championships in 2013 to the Olympic crowns she collected last year, Trott showed all of her relentlessly competitive spirit to complete another year of success. Her most notable setback – defeat to Hannah Barnes in the IG London Nocturne on appeal – was rectified a fortnight later at the RideLondon Grand Prix.

Still only 21, Trott showed a maturity beyond her years in 2013, defying the clamour for a women’s Tour de France. Next year, she will hope to contest the women’s road race at the Commonwealth Games and repeat Nicole Cooke’s success for Great Britain 11 years ago in Manchester. Despite the abundance of female talent currently enjoyed in British cycle sport, Trott remains the most successful of all. Next year will surely bring further triumphs. You might wish to talk over her plans for 2014 between courses.