VICTORIA Pendleton will embark on her second season as a point-to-point rider, but with the main pressure coming from herself – not the racing fraternity.

Twelve months ago the double Olympic cycling champion undertook a much-publicised switch of saddles, culminating in her proving the doubters wrong and finishing fifth at the Cheltenham Festival, little more than a year since first sitting on a horse.

It was a staggering achievement and a high the 36-year-old, who lives in Moreton, near Thame, admits she will struggle to replicate on horseback.

Pendleton tasted victory over fences aboard Pacha du Polder – the horse she partnered at Cheltenham – at Wincanton last season, and also triumphed in a charity flat race at Newmarket on Royal Etiquette, trained at Aston Rowant by Lawney Hill.

But success between the flags eluded her, something she is keen to put right this season.

“I am definitely chasing that first point-to-point victory,” she said.

“I had a couple of placings, but it would be lovely to get a winner this year.

“I want to improve and develop as a rider because last year everything was a bit rushed. Now I can take my time, because I really do love it.”

Pendleton has two horses stabled with Alan Hill, husband of Lawney, at her disposal for the new season.

According To Sarah was given to the rider as a present from Betfair – the internet betting exchange company which drove last season’s challenge.

But the most exciting animal is Vesperal Dream, bought by Pendleton from champion National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls this summer.

Both horses will run in Pendleton’s colours, with the latter set to make his debut at Barbury Castle in Wiltshire on Sunday.

“It will be nice to be able to take my time with them,” she said.

“Last year we had to go with what suited me best in terms of getting a lot of rides.

“According to Sarah did not run on the right ground because I needed to get out there as much as possible. This year it’s less about me and more about them.”

She added: “I purchased Vesperal Dream on my way back from Rio.

“We know he has been well schooled coming from Paul Nicholls and I am delighted with him so far. It’s exciting times.”

Although Pendleton’s high profile ensures her exploits in the saddle will always be monitored, a return to point-to-point action is where she feels happy – although another ride at Cheltenham is not ruled out.

“I am really looking forward to it and I can’t wait to get out there again.

“I obviously know a little bit more about what to expect.

“Cheltenham was far beyond anything I ever expected. If I had just got round safely I would have been delighted, so to finish fifth was beyond my wildest dreams.

“Would I like to do it again? Of course I would.

“But ultimately, for the standard of a rider I am, point-to-point is where I deserve to be.

“It’s an amateur sport, it’s fun, there’s a great atmosphere and I feel comfortable.”

Pendleton has already started work as part of ITV’s line-up, after being named as part of the new horse racing broadcaster’s team.

Her diary is as hectic as ever, but there is one part of life she would not swap.

“I have recorded a couple of features for ITV already and am contracted for a small amount of days in the jump season,” she said.

“There has been mixed reactions to my involvement, definitely, but I am not claiming to be the know-all of racing.

“I will be myself – somebody who has got into the racing world and loves it. I hope I convey that.

“I am still very busy and know I am lucky because I get to do some really cool stuff. Being at the yard is the highlight of my day though.

“I knew from about three days in that I was going to love it.

“Getting on the horses every morning excites me so much. I get so giddy I could almost be sick. I love it.”