WALES’ Elinor Barker missed out on a third medal at Glasgow 2014 as she finished seventh in the women’s time trial following problems with her radio, writes Andrew Penman.
But the Cardiff teenager, who won bronze in the scratch race and silver in the points race on the track last week, declared herself happy with her Commonwealth Games.
And she still has one more chance to complete the full set of medals in the women’s road race on Sunday.
“It was ok,” she said of her time trial effort after she trailed behind Scotland’s Katie Archibald in fifth, England’s Emma Pooley in second and gold medal winner Linda Villumsen of New Zealand.
Welsh teammate Amy Roberts was 12th after both suffered radio problems throughout the race.
“My radio did not work from the start,” said Barker.
“It worked when we tested it but did not work after which is incredibly annoying.
“I did not know the course as well as I would have liked.
“We drove it a couple of times and I did a recce yesterday but there were so many people it’s hard to get up to racing speed.
“It was a little bit hit and miss and there were a few nervous moments and skips around the corner.
“The radio is really important especially in a city centre course because it’s hard to be able to ride it properly.
“The radio would have been important particularly on corners and whether you are taking the right line.”
Barker is looking forward to the road race on Sunday and the chance to race against her Team GB rivals.
“It’s a really good course and it will be interesting when we are split into different nations, she said.
“We never get that chance.”
But even if she doesn’t add another medal Barker is happy with her Glasgow experience.
“I am happy and the track,” said the 19-year-old.
“I don’t think I will ever forgive myself for losing that points race but at least Laura (Trott) congratulated me at the time even if she was wrong!”
The end is in sight for Barker now and she’s relishing the chance to have a break from cycling.
“It has been a very busy 10 days,” she added. “One more race and I can chill out.
“I am going away with some friends from school and then going to the V festival to see Ed Sheeran and the Killers.
“I can be a normal teenager for a few weeks.”
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