Norwich cyclist Emma Pooley admits she is considering taking a break from the sport after finishing fourth in the women's elite time trial at the UCI Road World Championships in Holland yesterday.

The 29-year-old wants to focus on completing her PhD after Germany's Judith Arndt successfully defended her title, completing the 24.3-kilometre route in Limburg in 32 minutes 26.46 seconds.

'It's a little bit disappointing,' said Pooley after finishing in 33:15.79. 'I couldn't have gone faster than the winner. I really don't think I could have gone much faster.

'I think I must have just been slower the whole way round. The winner was faster, that's the way it is.'

Pooley, who was inconsolable after finishing sixth at the Olympics in London, admitted it has not been the best of years for her.

She added: 'I don't feel that it's been satisfactory, and that's partly linked to results.

'I do feel like I've not improved this year, I've 'de-proved'. So that's not very motivating.'

Evelyn Stevens of the United States was second in 33mins 00.23secs, with New Zealand's Linda Villumsen third in 33:07.03.

Pooley's Great Britain compatriot Wendy Houvenaghel, finished in 34:43.97 to place 14th.