Scottish cyclist Charline Joiner's story is arguably one of the stand-outs of 2014.

The 26-year-old from Dunfermline broke her back in a dramatic crash while training in Spain at the start of this year as she prepared for the Commonwealth Games. Not only did she battle back to return to cycling within a few short weeks, but successfully competed for Team Scotland in Glasgow.

A silver medallist at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, Joiner currently rides for Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International, the same team as 11-time Paralympic gold medallist Dame Sarah Storey and fellow Scot Katie Archibald, the reigning world and double European champion. She will join new women's team WNT for 2015.

Joiner comes from a super sporty family: her father Mike has represented Scotland in triathlon, brother Craig has 25 international rugby caps and her sister Kerry competed for her country in hockey. Her boyfriend, Lee Jones, who Joiner met at the Games in Delhi, plays for Glasgow Warriors and has also represented Scotland.

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

I was three.

What are your earliest memories of cycling?

I remember cycling round in circles outside my grandparent's house in France when we took the bikes over by ferry. I always loved riding round in circles so competing on the velodrome track was bound to happen.

What was your first bike?

I think it was a Claud Butler mountain bike. I can't remember anything before that.

What kind of bike do you own now?

For riding on the track I love the 7VRN bikes which I have ridden for the past five years. It's only recently I got my dream bike: a shiny French Look frame. On the road, I ride a Cube aluminium frame with some lead down the seat post to make it heavy for the winter. Next season, though, I will be racing on the 2014 Specialized Tarmac bikes with DI2 electronic gearing which I'm very excited about.

How would you describe your cycling style?

Aggressive and resilient.

Who is your favourite cyclist?

My absolute hero is the Australian sprinter Anna Meares. She has battled through so many injuries and hardship to get to where she is today and really inspires me. Graeme Obree equally is a cyclist I look up to. He is a genius mechanic with the passion and engine to go with it. There is no one like him out there, definitely one of a kind and what he has achieved is so admirable. The fact he's Scottish makes it even better.

What is your motto on the bike?

Just go. It's kind of an inside family joke. My dad used to shout that at me when I was racing at track league and it's always stuck in my mind. He used to say the same to my brother when he played rugby. Pro-active rather than reactive, I guess.

All-time ultimate cycling moment?

It's got to be when my Scottish team-mate and pal Katie Archibald won her first world champion team pursuit jersey earlier this year. That was a very proud moment and history made.

What is your favourite route?

Back home in Dunfermline I ride out past Loch Leven in Kinross then over Glen Devon, through Auchterarder, back over Dunning and Knockhill then home. The views are amazing and the roads are great. I love it.

What is top of your cycling bucket list?

Once I've finished competing I'd love to tour on my bike. I love the sense of adventure on a bike and you always see things you miss out on in a car.

How has owning a bike changed your life?

It's given me a passion and allowed me to feel the freedom of riding where you want.

What is your top cycling tip?

Always check your bike before you go flying out the door. Make sure the skewer levers are tight, gears are working and breaks are adjusted correctly. The cycling part is easy. Just enjoy.

Charline Joiner is a brand ambassador for Big Bobble Hats, Flying Pig Clothing, Horizon Watches, The Fitness Food Company and Eat Fish