Things didn’t go the way I wanted at the World Cup event in Papendal but that is bike racing. It was the first time I had not made the final at a World Cup for 12 months.
I felt like my performances were ok but I came into the first corner and was pushed off the track.
I don’t think what happened in Papendal was a true reflection of where I am at the moment. You have to pick your battles.
I could have really gone for it but then I could have picked up an injury. It’s about risk and reward and balancing those things up.
The World Championships in Medellin, Colombia at the end of this month is a massive reward. I’m really looking forward to it and the chance to go for the rainbow jersey.
I had a lengthy discussion with my coach and psychologist after Papendal. It was almost like it was the final hurdle.
When I look back, winning the World Cup is a massive achievement and something not to be overlooked.
But to win a World Championship gold medal and Olympic gold medal is a massive deal. I was fortunate enough to win the World Championship in 2013 and it was an incredible experience.
The margins are so tight and it’s certainly going to be very competitive. It’s about knowing when is the right time to push.
It will be fantastic for me on a personal level if I could win the World Championships. But I don’t think it’s about me sending a message to the riders ahead of Rio.
I’d like to think my performances over the last 12 months would do that and one World Championships is not going to change that. I have proved time and time again what I can do.
I’ve got the World Championships and then another block of training going into the Olympics. Everything is ultimately geared towards the Games in Rio.
It is nice being on tour as you get to hang out with some great guys. You are enemies on the track one minute and then away from the race you can catch up.
We are just like anyone else, we like to laugh, have a joke, share some food.
I’ve actually just booked myself a holiday for after the Games have finished. I’m not old in terms of age but my body has been put through a lot over the last few years so it will be nice to have a bit of a break.
We are going to America. I’ve been there competing but I’ve never really got the chance to be a bit of a tourist.
We’re just going to be doing normal things and chill out like normal people. It will make a change from the build-up to Rio and it’s something to look forward to.
But I know there is a lot between now and then and all my focus is on doing my best out in Rio first.
Aldi are proud supporters of Team GB, read more from Liam Phillips at www.teamgb.com/homegrownheroes
Image courtesy of British Cycling via YouTube, with thanks.
