Elinor Barker Gets Chance Of A Third Worlds Medal In Poland

Elinor Barker has been handed the chance of a third World Championships medal after being catapulted into the Madison event on Saturday night.

The Cardiff-born rider has already won gold in the scratch and silver in the team pursuit in Pruszkow in Poland.

Barker is replacing Katie Archibald in the event after the Scottish rider developed concussion following a crash in the points race of the Omnium.

Archibald had only competed in the event after fellow Olympic champ Laura Kenny pulled out after struggling for her best form in the team pursuit where the quartet ere beaten by Australia.

Olympic champ Barker has been in fine form having revealed she almost quit cycling six months ago before discovering her love again for the sport.

Barker will partner Neah Evans in the Madison.

The 24-year-old’s haul of 10 medals at the worlds includes silver in the Madison in Hong Kong two years ago.

Stephen Park, performance director for British Cycling, said: “Katie was involved in a heavy crash yesterday and, after an initial assessment from our doctor on the track, was deemed fit to carry on racing.

“However, a reassessment this morning showed Katie has developed signs of concussion and therefore has been withdrawn from the Madison on medical advice.

“As she expressed yesterday should this decision be made, Katie is extremely disappointed not to race today. However, the welfare of our athletes is paramount and we have a concussion policy in place to follow when such incidents occur.

“Fortunately, we have so much strength in depth in our women’s endurance squad that we can bring in Olympic champion Elinor Barker, who has shown great form so far this competition as demonstrated with her two medals so far this week.

“On behalf of the team, I wish Katie a fast recovery and I’m sure we will see her back to her best very soon.”