Barker ready to embrace new challenge after time trial misfortune

The 23-year-old Olympic champion suffered a mechanical problem on the climb of the 21.1km race in Bergen, Norway, to finish in 19th place.

It meant the Olympic team pursuit champion could not drop onto her smaller chainring during her effort, which saw her complete the race in 31:00.77, behind Dutch winner Annemiek van Vleuten and compatriot Hannah Barnes, who was ninth.

It has been a frustrating season for the Welsh rider, who has enjoyed limited time on the road in recent months, having finished fifth following a puncture during the National Time Trial Championships in June.

But the Welsh rider is determined to put her performance behind her when races as one of five supporting riders for 2015 world champion Lizzie Deignan in this weekend's road race.

"I had a bit of a mechanical on the hill so I had to just shrug off it which was far from ideal," said Barker, who had previously said she was gambling by riding two events in Norway.

"The rest of it was okay, but after that point my head was a little bit gone and my legs were shattered.

"I'm just a little bit sick of having excuses at the moment I suppose. It would be nice to just say 'that was a really good ride and be able to leave it at that.'

"I'm quite looking forward to leaving time trials behind this year. I've not had the best luck and I'm ready for a change."

Sportsbeat 2017