British juniors gain pro experience at World Championships

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.

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