Happier times: Nicole Cooke has not enjoyed enormous success snice her Olymipc win in Beijing Photo: AP In difficult, wet, conditions Cooke struggled from the very first lap and repeatedly lost contact with the peloton as the negotiated the two stiff climbs on the course, normally terrain she thrives on. Visibly suffering Cooke hung on desperately with the intention of at least riding in a support role for Great Britain’s other riders but at the end of laps five, two minutes behind the leaders, she accepted in the inevitable and called it a day.   Related Articles Nicole Cooke Britains's best hope Great Britain rider 'critical' after crash Bradley Wiggins' luck runs out Cancellara wins third world title It was a bitter moment for Cooke who lives in nearby Lugano and regularly trains on the circuit used for the worlds. In prime form it should have suited her perfectly but laid low by illness for much of the summer she has missed too much training to be competitive.[Read more...]