Victoria Pendleton pays tribute to racing cyclist dad

Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton has paid tribute to her father, who died after a "long struggle" with Parkinson's disease.

The Bedfordshire-born cycling medallist posted a photo on Instagram of Max Pendleton alongside her brother Alex Pendleton, who died in 2023 with a brain tumour.

She wrote she wanted to remember them both for "not taking the moment seriously".

Of her father, who was an established racing cyclist and organiser of races and events for the sport, she wrote: "I am so grateful for his dedication to cycling and his unwavering belief in me, even if I didn't always recognise it."

"I certainly wouldn't have achieved anything without him, and I am thankful for all I have experienced as a result," she continued.

Pendleton announced that he had died, aged 80, on 11 October, after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and Parkinson's dementia.

As an amateur cyclist, he had been known for hill climbs and grass-track cycling events, becoming the National 8km Grass-Track Champion in 1987.

In 1990, he began organising grass-track racing at Mildenhall Cycling Club, Suffolk, and continued until 2022.

Club chairman Mark Burchett said: "He is going to be a big loss from the Club, having been such an active member since 1980.

"Max wasn't just a very competitive rider, but off the bike was a gentleman, and we shall also miss the very enjoyable club-rides around his Bedfordshire home."

Max Pendleton could be seen congratulating his daughter after her 2008 victory at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships at the Manchester Velodrome

Originally from Stotfold, Bedfordshire, Pendleton won nine world titles and three Olympic medals between 2005 and 2012.

After retiring from cycling, she competed in Strictly Come Dancing and switched to horse racing.

She wrote: "He always pushed himself, I admired that in him and tried my best to emulate.

"More significantly, he has encouraged and enabled countless individuals into the sport of cycling.

"Organising equipment and kit and grass roots, grass track events. Where it all began for me."