Great Britain Cycling Team’s Karen Darke finished sixth in the H3 time trial on the opening day of the 2018 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships.

The 2016 Paralympic champion was making her return to national colours after the Games in Rio.

On a challenging circuit in Maniago, Darke had to deal with changing conditions following an earlier downpour in Northern Italy.

The Great Britain Cycling Team rider crossed the line after the 13.6km course in a time of 25:30.14.

World Para-Cycling Champs...no podium for me but pleased with my ride. Congrats to Italy for a home win & big respect to all my competitors #superstrong pic.twitter.com/MmffIJSz5k

— Karen Darke (@kdarke) August 2, 2018

The gold went to Italy’s Francesca Porcellato – who retained her title in her home country, crossing the line in 23:36.57.

Silver went to the USA’s Alicia Dana with Jady Martins Malavazzi winning bronze for Brazil.

Time trials continue on Friday, with Great Britain Cycling Team’s tandem, ‘C’ and trike riders in action.