Olympic cycling hero Joanna Rowsell is aiming for Commonwealth Games glory on four fronts – but she is also using her status to raise awareness of a personal fifth.

The 25-year-old five times world champion, who started in the saddle at Sutton Cycling Club and attended Nonsuch High School, rides in the 3,000m individual pursuit, 25km points race, 10km scratch race and the individual time trial.

In her aero-dynamic helmet, Rowsell is barely recognisable, but when she is in civvies, her alopecia is laid bare for all to see.

And it is this that the Olympic gold medallist is putting in the spotlight ahead of the Games.

She said: “For as long as I can remember I’ve always had small bald patches, but I was able to cover them up with the rest of my hair.

“But when I was about 10 I got more and more patches and they kept getting bigger and more and more kept falling out until it had all completely gone.

“Everyone cares about their looks and it was difficult and I can’t deny that it wasn’t.

“But now I’m definitely a lot more accepting of the condition.”

She added: “I was always quite determined to prove myself, to prove that despite being shy and despite having this condition I did still want to make something of my life.

“I always wanted to make the most of things, so I think it’s probably helped me.”

Rowsell starts her bid for a first Commonwealth gold medal in the individual pursuit in the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome today.

The double European track champion then has a tough schedule with the 10km finals on tomorrow (Saturday), 25km race on Sunday and the time trial on Thursday – but it is not diminishing her appetite.

She said: “It’s all England versus Wales versus Scotland so they’ve got a bit a little bit of rivalry going, so we’re all quite excited.

“I’ve never done it before, but I think it’s going to be really tough competition.”