Laura Kenny Q&A: ‘I got a bike with a basket on the front as a retirement present!’

As well as the cycling, Laura Kenny will be a keen follower of the trampolining events in Paris. Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian

I often see riders in Welwyn colours when I’m out pedalling in Hertfordshire. How important were the Wheelers to your career? Dan

Ah, they were so great. Joining a cycling club as a young cyclist was one of the best ways for me to develop my abilities and grow my confidence on the bike. I’m a big believer that if you surround yourself with the right people you can all push each other to do great things, and that starts right at the very beginning, whether it’s riding with a club or riding with friends it’s so important to make sure you surround yourself with people that want to succeed as much as you do.