Masks, magpies and a silver medal: at the cycling worlds with Grace Brown

Australia’s Grace Brown after coming second in the women’s elite time trial at the UCI road world championships in Wollongong. Photograph: Con Chronis/Getty Images

Australian cyclist Grace Brown arrived in Wollongong a week and a half ago with medals on her on mind. The 30-year-old Victorian, a World Tour cyclist with FDJ Suez Futuroscope, was considered among the favourites for both the individual time trial and road race at the 2022 road world championships. Brown was Australia’s great hope on home soil.

Over the past week, Brown has given Guardian Australia exclusive insight into her campaign at the biggest cycling event on these shores in more than a decade. These are the world championships through Brown’s eyes.