Ellen van Dijk has revealed that the windy conditions in Baku prevented her from recording a faster time in the women's individual time trial.

Van Dijk stormed to the gold medal, finishing as many as 37 seconds ahead of the field, but despite her triumph, the Dutch rider has admitted that she found it difficult.

The 28-year-old told reporters: "It was very tough today, especially with the wind but then again it's the same circumstances for everyone.

"I was able to get into a rhythm quickly and I could keep up the pace."

Victory for the four-time world champion earned the Netherlands their first gold medal of the Games.