Road Cycling

5 Things you probably didn’t know about… Elinor Barker

She doesn't like what?!

She’s won Olympic gold in Rio. She’s won the track cycling world championships. She’s featured in a music video and she’s yet to turn 25. She’s Elinor Barker.

Taking the track by storm, Elinor has cemented her name as one of Britain’s greatest female cyclists. Having started her cycling career from a young age in South Wales, she gained valuable seconds and subsequent support from British Cycling before earning a place on the Olympic Development Programme after which she made the move to Manchester.

Pedalling her way to a number of podium spots during her Junior years, Elinor continues to show dedication and perseverance into the Elite scene where she joins professional women’s cycling team, Wiggle High5, for the 2018 season.

But all of that is public knowledge, what else is there to the young athlete? We find out…

I’m halfway through a degree with the open university, currently studying human biology and mental health.
I have a soft spot for trashy dating programmes that I know are awful. My favourite at the moment is “Your face or mine”
I can say the longest place name in Wales (Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch)
I’m physically incapable of winking or whistling. Flirting is not my forte.
I hate coffee, which is completely against cycling culture. I’ve tried to conform a few times but it makes me gag, so I’ll have to stick with being an outcast.

Personally, Elinor is one of my favourite athletes to follow on Instagram. Showcasing both the seriousness of cycling with her passion for it, whilst goofing around with friends and sister, Megan Barker. What an all-around champ!