Katie Archibald's ascent of global cycling has been nothing short of stratospheric over the past 18 months with the Scottish rider a reigning world and double European champion.

A former swimmer, Archibald was a late arrival to cycling and it was only at 17 that she began to hone her skills on Highland grass tracks to earn some extra pocket money.

The 20-year-old from Milngavie burst onto the international scene in the autumn of 2013 and was soon swapping selling mattresses and beds for her family's business, Archers Sleepcentre, to move to Manchester where she trains under the British Cycling Olympic Podium Programme.

Archibald represented Team Scotland at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and took bronze in the points race at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.

In 2015, she will be racing alongside 11-time Paralympic gold medallist Dame Sarah Storey for women's cycling team Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International.

How old were you when you learned to ride a bike?

No cheat wheels? Six years old.

What are your earliest memories of cycling?

Competing in the neighbourhood to ride my bike as slowly as possible ... and wrecking my knees when I eventually keeled over. There were no signs I was a racer, just stubborn.

What was your first bike?

I don't remember the make or model, but it was bright pink with a seat for my dolly on the back and a basket on front. The only "aero" I'd heard of back then was the tasty one.

What kind of bike do you own now?

I ride a Ridley Helium on the road which is my Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International team bike. I'll be honest I've got a long list of bikes, but that's the one I'm on most often.

How would you describe your cycling style?

Aggressive, bordering on over enthusiastic.

Who is your favourite cyclist?

Hmm, I'd say I more have favourite moments for riders. Like when Martyn Irvine won the scratch race at the 2013 worlds going for a long one. Or Tom Scully winning the points race at the 2014 Commonwealth Games - that was an exciting race. Then there's Laura Trott's devil [elimination race] at the 2012 Olympics. I can't re-watch it late at night or I get too excited and can't sleep ...

What is your motto on the bike?

I tend to tell myself that every bit is the last bit. Just keep going to where you can see and deal with what comes when it comes. You know what, that's terrible advice. My motto should be "keep good pace" or something. Instead it's more "ride with wild abandon."

Name your all-time ultimate cycling moment?

I think this is cheating, but my all-time extended month long moment was preparing and competing at the 2014 Commonwealth Games with my Scottish team-mates. That was the life.

What is your favourite route?

I've got a few regular routes I suppose, but I like having a free ride where you can just make a decision on each junction as it comes and get as lost as you need to. I understand this is some people's worst nightmare so it's more of a solo pursuit.

What is top of your cycling bucket list?

Make it to the Olympics.

How has owning a bike changed your life?

I guess I'm lucky in that owning a bike now is my life.

What is your top cycling tip?

Don't stand when you can sit. Don't sit when you can lie down. Recovery is key.

For more of Katie Archibald's musings on life, check out bikesandbobs.blogspot.co.uk