VICTORIA Pendleton can hardly contain her excitement ahead of her Cheltenham Festival debut today, writes MARK EDWARDS.

The three-time Olympic cycling medallist, who lives in Moreton, near Thame, will ride Pacha Du Polder for champion trainer Paul Nicholls in the St James’s Place Foxhunters Chase.

“For me to get round would be winning. I feel I’ve already won in some respect.

“But the chance to do it at a major sporting festival and be part of something to remember for the rest of my days.

“I feel honoured to be given a second chance.”