Olympic champion Dani King insists she is chomping at the bit to regain her place in the team pursuit outfit after watching on from the sidelines as Great Britain’s women’s quartet stormed to World Championship cycling gold last month.
King had previously been a part of three successful Track World Championship teams securing gold in consecutive years from 2011 to 2013 as well as the Olympic title at London 2012.
But while the event now consists of four riders instead of three over an extended distance of 4km, she found herself unable to force her way into the team for the World Track Cycling Championships in Cali, Columbia.
It came following an injury suffered at the start of the year, with her place taken instead by Scot Katie Archibald.
Despite the change in personnel, it was still the same result for the team with the quartet of Archibald, Joanna Rowsell, Laura Trott and Elinor Barker taking the title in 4:23.407minutes.
And after watching on in support, King insists competition for places will only drive her on to get selected once more.
“I got injured at the start of the year so didn’t quite have the form to make the team,” she said. “To be part of the gold medal-winning pursuit team at three worlds and the Olympics but not be able to ride in Cali was tough.
“It was really horrible to watch but that proves I’m still passionate about it. I supported the girls and I’ll use it as motivation – it just shows none of us can be complacent.
“There are lots of reasons we’re the best but that internal competition is one of them.”
© Sportsbeat 2014