International exposure for Jess

10:12am Thursday 3rd April 2008

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JESSICA Varnish believes she gained valuable experience as part of the all-conquering Great Britain team at last week's World Track Championships in Manchester.

The teenage cycling ace received a surprise call-up to the squad just two weeks ago and despite having little time to prepare for the event, she put in some impressive times in the Women's Sprint and Women's Kierin races.

Although the Halesowen and Athletics Cycling Club member narrowly missed qualification in both events, the 17-year-old was not out of place against some of the world's best riders.

And she said it was an incredible experience being part of the same team as the likes of gold medal winners Victoria Pendleton, Bradley Wiggins and Chris Hoy.

Varnish said: "Just to be in the same hotel and being part of the squad was amazing. The team did so well.

"Everyone gets on really well and there were no egos there."

Varnish had a string of major successes in junior competitions last year, including a gold medal in the Women's Kierin race at the European Junior Track Championships in Germany, and a silver in the Women's Sprint in Mexico at the Junior World Championships.

But she admitted moving up to senior world level was a major step up in class.

She added: "It was so much different to riding in my own age group.

"The riders are much stronger and the tactics are different.

"I only put in two weeks of specific training for the competition.

"I was there for the experience but managed some good times."

Following her World Championship adventure, Varnish is back in training ready for a forthcoming junior Revolution event in Newport.