Olympic star Victoria Pendleton has shared the news of her father’s death in a heartbreaking Instagram post also referencing her late twin brother, who passed away two years ago at 42.
The cycling gold medallist shared an old picture of her father, Max, and brother, Alex, saying the image is how she wants to remember them both.
The photo shows a young Alex grinning with his father’s hand affectionately placed on his cheek and Pendleton wrote a touching caption alongside the image.
It read: ‘The picture of Alex and Max is how I want to remember them both not taking the moment seriously.
‘On the 11th of October my father Max Pendleton passed away after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease and more recently Parkinson’s dementia. He fought hard to the finish line as he always did.
‘I am so grateful for his dedication to cycling and his unwavering belief in me, even if I didn’t always recognise it. I certainly wouldn’t have achieved anything without him and I am thankful for all I have experienced as a result.
Victoria Pendleton’s father Max (left) and brother Alex (right) both died within two years of each other and the Olympic star shared the picture with a caption on Instagram
In 2023, Pendleton revealed her twin brother Alex (right) died after battling an ‘aggressive’ brain tumour
‘He always pushed himself, I admired that in him and tried my best to emulate. More significantly he has encouraged and enabled countless individuals into the sport of cycling.
‘Organising equipment and kit and grass roots, grass track events. Where it all began for me. Rest In Peace. Love you dad.’
Pendleton won two Olympic gold medals in cycling, the second of which came at London 2012 with her proud father watching on.
Her father was British National 8km grass track cycling champion and helped push her towards success at the very highest level.
His death comes two years after Pendleton’s twin brother died due to a brain tumour.
Alex was diagnosed with cancer at the age of four after being pricked by a wild rose thorn that caused blood poisoning; he then had leukaemia.
After more than three decades in remission, cancer tragically returned in his brain and took his life.
In 2019, when Pendleton took part in gruelling reality show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, she revealed she signed up after being inspired by how her brother battled the disease.
She explained: ‘It was diagnosed quickly and he’s with me today. I know many children and adults are not that lucky. I always feel very fortunate that I have him.
Pendleton shared this picture of her and her father from their early days training together
‘I’m in debt to the doctors and nurses for giving him the treatment he needed.’
Tragically, the cancer returned and claimed Alex’s life two summers ago. After his death, Pendleton shared a stunning picture of them together on social media.
She wrote: : ‘Alex Pendleton 24.09.80 – 22.06.23. If you know me then you likely know my twin brother Alex, I just wanted to let you know that this morning Alex sadly passed away after an epic battle against an aggressive brain tumour.
She continued: ‘He will be painfully missed by many. Rest in peace my kind, brave twinnie, you will forever be in our hearts ❤️ #twinner #betterhalfofme #heartbroken #missyou #wewillneverforgetyou.’
At the age of nine, the siblings started racing and by the time she was 15, Victoria was used to cycling 50 miles on a Sunday.
Her father was British National 8 km grass track cycling champion and watched on in 2012 when his daughter won gold and silver at the Olympics
Alex was previously diagnosed with leukemia but was said to have made a full recovery, before he endured a battle with an aggressive brain tumour that took his life
Victoria also previously spoke about her sibling’s ability to live in the moment and his sunny persona.
Speaking to The Daily Mail in 2020, she broached the subject of her mental health and depression battles. She explained: ‘I live with the knowledge depression may happen at any time, but I’m more prepared to deal with it now
‘I’ve always had low spells. A lot of people in my family have experienced anxiety and depression.
‘My older sister Nicola, my dad — both of them suffer at times from extreme stress.’
Yet she revealed the same could not be said for Alex, laughing: ‘No, we’re yin and yang. He doesn’t take life too seriously.’
Pendleton, who also won a silver at London 2012 and gold in Beijing four years before that, retired from professional cycling after the home Olympics.
She went on to become a jockey, riding in the 2016 Foxhunter Chase, at Cheltenham.
