Trott in race to be the new Queen Vicky

 

Cahal Milmo
Monday 06 August 2012 20:39 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Laura Trott opened her bid for her second 2012 cycling medal with the sort of zeal that has made her the apparent heir of Queen Victoria Pendleton.

The diminutive 20-year-old, who took gold last week in the women's pursuit in a world record time, began her two-day campaign in the omnium – a sort of cycling decathlon consisting of multiple disciplines – with a strong performance in her first three races to leave her leading overnight, ahead of today's deciders.

Trott, who is the current world champion in the six-race event and favourite for gold, has battled physical adversity on her long journey to success. She was born with a collapsed lung, which threatened her life, and overcame asthma but still suffers from a stomach condition which makes her liable to vomit after every hard race or training session.

Experts said yesterday that Trott's tender years means she will earn a fraction of the £20m windfall likely to come the way of the Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins or the £10m estimated earnings of Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis, but stands to reap benefits in the long term.

Steve Tidball, creative director of the advertising and market company TBWA (London), said: "Right now the gold medal is more of an emotional reward than a financial one for her. As a 20-year-old prodigy in one of the greatest conveyor belts of talent in history, and with Pendleton's retirement looming, she will have her eye on being the 'new Vicky' in the public's eyes."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in