This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
Elinor barker


Elinor’s


silver lining!


Following in the footsteps of Wales’ Olympic gold medalist Nicole Cooke is no mean feat, but 17 year-old cyclist Elinor Barker is giving it a good go. And after making her presence on podiums around the world quite a habit in recent months, she could well be on the right track.


Sarah Mogford caught up with her at the Wales National Velodrome, Newport to find out just what it takes to follow your dreams in the world of cycling.


You could be forgiven for thinking that your average 17 year-old would be reluctant to jump straight back into training after a jam-packed summer of riding and just a short break from the bike, but for Elinor ‘normality isn’t all it’s cracked up to be’.


“When I have time I can be a normal teenager, but I don’t feel like I’m missing out on a lot really. I’ve just had a break; I had three weeks off the bike and it didn’t seem like anyone really did anything! It was lovely to catch up with friends but other than that it was quite boring!”


For someone whose day to day life involves a constant juggle between studying for her A Levels and training it’s no wonder that slowing down comes as a bit of a shock to the system.


“I’ve had to fi t in training around my school work during the week and then use the weekends for longer rides. It’s quite hard but I’ve just got to time plan really well. I’m doing A Levels in biology, English literature, maths and PE and have to study fi ve days a week. Luckily my teachers have been quite supportive this year; saying I’m not at school because I’m at the Commonwealth Youth Games sounds a lot better than saying I was training!”


SW 44


issue19twothousand&twelve sportingwales


Brought to you in association with


And talking of training, just what commitment is involved in cycling for your country?


“I probably spend about two or three hours a day on a bike during the week.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52