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Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton says her relationship with a member of the Great Britain coaching team created friction with team-mates.

The 31-year-old said British Cycling bosses told her and sports scientist Scott Gardner to keep their romance a secret until after Beijing 2008.

Pendleton feels the experience has helped strengthen her mental attitude ahead of London 2012.

"Team-mates blamed me because Scott wasn't there to help them," she said.

"They felt I was being selfish and staff felt it was unprofessional, even though we never flaunted it," she told the Sunday Times.

Pendleton, the went public with the relationship when Gardner left British Cycling after the 2008 Games. They are now engaged.

Pendleton, who is preparing for next week's World Championships in Melbourne, is considered one of Britain's best medal hopes at London 2012.

"I feel I've got the ability to deal with pressure.

"I've got a disciplined approach to what I do and I feel I've learnt to manage the different personalities of the people around me.

"Now that London is close, I am excited by the possibility of getting the job done."