Louise Haston claimed her place in the history books when she took Scotland’s first medal of the 2014 Commonwealth Games – a silver medal alongside Aileen McGlynn in the para-sport sprint B tandem at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow.

Edinburgh-based Haston piloted triple Paralympic champion and visually-impaired rider McGlynn to a second silver in the 1km time trial B tandem three days later.

The 34-year-old, who represented Scotland at athletics before making the switch to cycling in 2009, took a gold and three silvers at the 2015 British National Masters Track Championships in Newport last month. Haston currently races for the Torq Performance team.

It is a year today (July 24) since you won that first silver with Aileen McGlynn. What was your favourite moment of Glasgow 2014?

I can't believe it has been a year already. Time has gone so fast. I really wish I could do it all over again as I enjoyed the experience so much.

The best moment by far was winning Scotland's first medal but also getting to enjoy the Games with my team-mates and some of my best friends.

I do sometimes question the friendship, though, when they play horrid jokes on me. There was one day I was sitting in the food hall at the Athletes’ Village with a full table of people, dozed off under my bobble hat and when I woke they had all disappeared and left me.

Little did I know they had just moved to the table behind thinking they were funny. I was mortified.

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

I honestly couldn't tell you. I was definitely young, but not sure how old I was.

What are your earliest memories of cycling?

When I was younger I didn't do much cycling at all. I only remember kicking about with the boys on my BMX. 

What was your first bike?

A pink Raleigh road bike. I much preferred my BMX, though.

What kind of bike do you own now?

I currently own a Moda Stretto road bike, but my pride and joy is my Wilier Triestina track bike which is my team bike for Torq Performance.


How would you describe your cycling style?

I would like to think I'm aggressive but then I see pictures of me racing and I don't see the aggression at all. I'm pretty much stuck in the middle. I'm not actually sure what kind of rider I am. Perhaps sprint endurance?

Who is your favourite cyclist?

I don't really have a favourite, but I love to watch all the Scottish guys kicking it on the GB programme.

 

What is your motto on the bike?

Go hard or go home.


What is your favourite route?

I love heading out from Edinburgh to Carnwath. It's a good four hour trek so not something I do very often.

What is top of your cycling bucket list?

I've always fancied trying a bit of downhill and maybe tackling something like Land’s End to John O'Groats.


How has owning a bike changed your life?

It has made me skint. But I also love just setting off on the bike and finding places you never knew existed.


What is your top cycling tip?

Always remember to eat and keep hydrated while on the bike because without fuel it will end badly. I've experienced this a few times and it's not good.

 

You can follow Louise Haston on Twitter at @lhaston123