Wandsworth’s cycling supremo Emma Pooley admits she has plenty to work on in her bid to qualify for 2016 Rio Olympics, writes Ziad Chaudry.
The 33-year-old returned to the saddle after a two year absence with a 66th place in the lucrative Asda Tour De Yorkshire Women's Race last Saturday.
Holland’s Kirsten Wild clinched the €20,000 winner’s prize in the 136.5km race from Otley to Doncaster in 3hrs 22.26, followed by double junior world road race champion Lucy Garner and Floortje Mackaij.
Pooley, who retired from competitive cycling after winning two silver medals at 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games to concentrate on triathlon and duathlon events, faded away from the peloton after 80km.
“It was a bit tough for me but the support was amazing,” said Pooley who was representing Great Britain Cycling Team.
“Seeing so many people out there was great and hopefully it was good entertainment.
“But right now I’m about two months of specific training off from form for Rio.”
Pooley will compete in a couple of duathlons before returning back to road cycling and concentrating fully on chasing her dream place to the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.
“Next weekend I’ve got a half-ironman in Fuerta Ventura, Majorca then at the start of June I’ve got another half-ironman,” she added.
“Then I’ll know about selection, so if I’m selected for Rio then I’ll concentrate more on just road cycling.”