Welsh rider Elinor Barker who rides for Nicole Cooke’s old club, Cardiff Ajax, showed what a star she is by finishing the Junior Women’s World Time Trial title with a Silver medal.
The young lady from Wales had already won Silver in the European Track Championships earlier this year and showed what a future star she is by fighting back from being in fourth at the first time check to second at the end of the 13.9 kilometre test than two seconds behind Australian Jess Allen. It was the sort of spirit Elinor had showed at the British Women’s Circuit Race Championships at Preston this year when she attacked in the finale and just failing to pick up a medal.
Elinor all smiles on the podium. Photo www.copenhagen2011.dk
The Silver medal came as a surprise to the youngster who was hoping for a top 10 or so finish. “I met Jessica a while back and I expected her to beat me. I was shocked to be taken to the hot seat area when I came in. I am really really happy with my Silver medal as I was hoping for a top 10 placing before the race. I am only a first-year Junior, so it is looking good for next year.”
On Jessica beating her by only 1.84 second “Wow, that’s amazing, I did not know it was that close!”
Also riding the event was Hannah Barnes, winner of many British titles, junior and senior but her ride was blighted by bad luck as she picked up her first puncture in a time trial, a rear wheel one, and ending the race back 19th position.
1. Jessica Allen Australia 19:18.63
2. Elinor Barker, Great Britain 19:20.47
3. Mieke Kroger, Germany 19:21.43
19. Hannah Barnes, Great Britain 20:32.87
In the Men’s Under 23 Time Trial championship, Britain’s sole representative, Mark Christian of the Isle of Man, finished in 30th place.
