On Thursday, the Tamworth rider surprised herself by claiming bronze in the masters one criterium at the Gold Coast event.

Two days later, she failed to finished the road race.

She pulled out after completing eight laps of the 10-lap race, which had "significant" climbs, she said.

"I was very devastated not to finish that one," said Ash, who is not a noted climber.

She added: "It definitely wasn't my day out."

The former top hockey player described her criterium win as "very, very exciting".

She had targeted the road race at the championships.

"So I didn't really have expectations for the cri. And that's the one I did well in."

She continued: "It's definitely left me with a few things to work on, both on and off the bike.

"I've definitely taken a lot away from this event."