Barker takes silver for GB in Worlds Junior TT

Junior women time trial photo gallery by Graham Watson>>

Great Britain's Elinor Barker won a silver medal in the junior women's time trial at the 2011 UCI Road World Championships in Copenhagen on Monday.

Barker placed second behind Australia's Jessica Allen, who came away with the gold medal and coveted rainbow jersey.

"I didn't expect to do that well," Barker said after her ride. "When I stopped and they told me I was the the leader, I said, 'No, you're joking!'" 

"There were still three riders to go after me, I thought I'd just come fourth, but I was really happy. I know Jessica, I know she's a really good time trialler, so I expected her to beat me." 

Mieke Kroger of Germany finished third to claim bronze. Ninth rider off, Kroger had set the early fast time which stood until Barker - fourth last to start - came to the finish line. Last rider off Allen then set the fastest time of the day to take the win.

Welsh woman Barker was crowned British junior women's track pursuit national champion in August, and came second in the European championship pursuit in Portugal.

British medal prospect Hannah Barnes suffered a puncture shortly after setting off, destroying her run. Even so, Barnes managed to finish in 19th spot out of 39 riders.

Organisers of the event were faced with a serious problem prior to the start of the junior women's time trial when a road sweeper leaked oil over the finish area and several other parts of the course. The spill was brought under control and the race took place without incident.

Result

UCI Road World Championships 2011: Junior women's time trial, 13.9km

1. Jessica Allen (Aus) in 19-18-63

2. Elinor Barker (GBr) at 1.48 sec

3. Mieke Kroger (Ger) at 2.80 sec

4. Thalita De Jong (Ned) at 14.93 secs

5. Rossella Ratto (Ita) at 31.07 secs

6. Georgia Williams (NZl) at 43.95 secs

7. Annie Ewart (Can) at 45.87 secs

8. Kamilla Sofie Valin (Den) at 46.34 secs

9. Mathilde Favre (Fra) at 50.78 secs

10. Alexandra Chekina (Rus) at 52.30 secs

Other

19. Hannah Barnes (GBr) at 1-12.24

Hannah Barnes: puncture ruined medal chances

Mieke Kroger rides into bronze

Elinor Barker on her way to winning silver

Jessica Allen wins for Australia

Junior women TT podium (l to r): Elinor Barker, second; Jessica Allen, winner; Mieke Kroger, third

Elinor Barker checks that her silver medal is real

Related links

Junior women time trial photo gallery by Graham Watson

Road World Championships 2011: Cycling Weekly's coverage index