Like the track cyclist she is, Georgia Baker said it is more beneficial to look ahead than behind.
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Just a couple of months after her maiden Olympic campaign was derailed by a high-speed crash, Baker is back on the bike and planning a future she hopes will involve four continents.
The Perth cyclist, who turned 22 last month, is targeting upcoming track world cups in North and South America with a view to her long-term goals of the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast and 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
“I’ve been looking forward to it. It’s been a good break but it’s nice to get back into the routine,” Baker said about returning to the saddle after a post-Olympic break.
Heading to Brazil as strong medal contenders, the Australian women’s team pursuit, which also included fellow Tasmanian Amy Cure, South Australian Annette Edmondson, West Australian Mel Hoskins and Ashlee Ankudinoff, of NSW, was hit by a training accident just 48 hours ahead of competition.
Despite four of the five sustaining injuries, the squad finished in fifth place.
Reflecting on the experience, Baker said: “I’ve had a lot of time to think about what happened and was a little bit disappointed with it all but I’m keen to look forward.
“Obviously we weren’t happy with the result, we wanted gold or at least a spot on the podium. But I can definitely take positives out of the campaign and my first Olympic experience.
“I think for Tokyo I will be better prepared to know what to expect.”
Baker will return to competition at the Oceania track championships and Australian madison championships, both in Melbourne in December, seeking selection for track world cups in Cali (Colombia) and Los Angeles in February.
I think for Tokyo I will be better prepared to know what to expect
- Georgia Baker