Great Britain's junior team is gaining experience from cycling's elite, riders like Bradley Wiggins, in Copenhagen this week. For the first time since 2004 in Verona, Italy, the organiser is running their races alongside the other road world championships.
"It means a lot," Great Britain juniors' coach, Matt Winston told Cycling Weekly. "They're really proud to be here."
The time trial riders compete first: tomorrow morning Hannah Barnes and Elinor Barker; and Tuesday morning, Owain Doull and Jon Dibben. The four had dinner with Wiggins, who just finished third at the Vuelta a España, David Millar and last year's winner, Emma Pooley.
They "have been really good with them and had a chat with them," added Winston. "It's the only time they've ever had a chance to do that. I think it is really good for the juniors."
Barnes' chances may be the best for a medal in the junior ranks. She won the criterium and time trial events this month for England at the Commonwealth Youth Games.
"If she can hold that form, she can do well here," Winston said.
"There are no expectations on the juniors, it's all about development. If they get a result, then that's great, but we want them to learn something here and take it forward.
"We are about developing riders for the future for when they move up to the pro ranks and in terms of the Olympics, all four of them are on the Olympic development programme."
Barnes starts at 10:13 and Barker at 10:35, both covering 13.9 kilometres around the centre and to the north. In the afternoon, Under 23 rider, Mark Christian races at 15:48.
Doull and Dibben race 27.8 kilometres on Tuesday.
Related links
Road World Championships 2011: Cycling Weekly's coverage index
Road World Championships 2011: Latest news
The Worlds' top teams: Nine strongest squads
Italy to rely on Bennati and youthful Worlds squad
Renshaw left out of Australia's Worlds team
Cavendish heads British Cycling's Worlds long list
Britain up to seventh in UCI World Rankings
Cavendish previews Copenhagen Worlds course
Project Rainbow Jersey: Britain's bid for Worlds title
Forget distance covered, these are the key stats to note in your Strava Year in Sport
'She should show a bit more respect' - Lotte Kopecky responds to Demi Vollering comments
