Karen Darke finished in sixth place in the H3 road race at the second round of the UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup.

However, torrential rain and a Swiss course that featured two climbs and two descents meant that Darke couldn’t replicate the ride which saw her take silver in yesterday’s time-trial.

Held on a flat route, coach Paul Dring emphasised the difference in conditions between the two competitions.

“The course didn’t suit Karen today” Dring summarised.

“It’s one of those freak courses that you don’t see too often – 40 percent of it was climbing and that doesn’t work to Karen’s strengths.

“We know her climbing is something we need to continue working on ahead of the world championships but it’s not something we’re concerned about.

“She gave it her best shot but it was simply suited to the smaller riders in the field. The race split early on and she couldn’t make it up.

“Looking towards Rio we aren’t going to see a course like this for her so we’re not downhearted about today’s result and I’ve told Karen she shouldn’t be either.”

Tomorrow’s racing will see the rest of the Great Britain Cycling Team in action in the road races, with yesterday’s tandem time-trial winners Corrine Hall and Lora Turnham hoping to continue their upturn in form and get back on the podium, while Stephen Bate and Adam Duggleby will be hoping to go one better than the silver medal they achieved in Maniago last weekend.

Simon Price, Jaco Van Gass and Jon Gildea will all be hoping to improve on top ten finishes yesterday and challenge for a podium position.