WALES’ Elinor Barker is targeting gold at the Commonwealth Games after helping London 2012 champion Laura Trott to glory in Abergavenny.
The 19-year-old from Cardiff helped teammate Trott to victory in the women’s road race at the British Cycling National Road Championships on Sunday.
Trott and Dani King out-sprinted defending champion Lizzie Armitstead to claim a Wiggle Honda one-two on the podium.
Barker came home in eighth overall to claim the bronze medal in the under-23 championships behind Trott and Scottish talent Katie Archibald.
“I would have liked to have stayed with that group until the end but I went bang just as I was preparing to attack so missed out on the action there, which was a bit of a shame,” said Barker.
The Cardiff girl is already a two-time world champion on the track in the women’s team pursuit and, two years ago, was gold medallist on the road in the world junior time trial.
And she believes her form is building nicely for the Commonwealths in Glasgow, where she will also be competing on the track.
“This was a really good race for me – I was pretty active from the start. The selection was made after the climb out of Monmouth and it was tough after that,” said Barker.
“I didn’t know Laura had won it until I crossed the finish line so that was a nice surprise.
“We’ve got a medal of every colour with Laura and Dani taking gold and silver in the seniors and me bronze in the under-23.
“The race showed I’m making progress because I have struggled making the jump from junior to senior in road racing.
“There was Welsh flags everywhere and a lot of people were cheering me on, especially on the finishing circuit.
“I’m hoping to do everything at the Commonwealth and I would like to come away with a gold medal. I think my best chance is on the track, particularly in the bunch races.”
In the men’s road race Welsh Team Sky stars Luke Rowe and Geraint Thomas were fourth and eighth respectively, while 19-year-old Ed Laverack of Llanelli won the under-23 title.
Cardiff’s Owain Doull and Gwent pair Sam Harrison and Jon Mould did not finish.
Newport’s Mould of NFTO said on Twitter: “Good day out today @RoadChamps Somehow turned into a VERY FAST training ride on home roads with @LukeRowe1990
“Legs gave up on me in the end but another good day in the bank.
“Thanks for the shouts and that's how a bike race should be organised!”
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