British Cycling boss David Brailsford insists GB will challenge for a world road title in the next two years despite their disappointment this week.
Great Britain return from the World Championships without a single medal.
Sprinter Mark Cavendish was ill, while top hopes Bradley Wiggins, Nicole Cooke and David Millar pulled out mid-race.
"We're really serious and it's looking well to compete for that World Championship jersey in the coming years," Brailsford told BBC Sport.
With Melbourne and Copenhagen coming up, the flatter course suits Mark Cavendish
David Brailsford
Millar, the team leader in Sunday's men's road race, pulled out after injuring his knee but Cavendish is expected to lead the team in the next two years.
"The main goal from [Sunday] was to ride as a team. It's the first time we've had nine riders," explained Brailsford.
"Dave was unlucky, he crashed early on, hurt his knee. That was really unfortunate because the guys were really doing a good job
"That's something we can take forward. With Melbourne [in 2010] and Copenhagen [in 2011] coming up, the flatter course suits Mark Cavendish."
Brailsford upbeat after Worlds performance
Although Great Britain's best finisher was Steven Cummings in 52nd spot, GB coaches had said before the event that their focus was on "Project Rainbow Jersey" to win the title in the coming years.
However Cooke, who went into the event as defending world and Olympic champion, was unable to match her form of last year, after a season affected by illness.
And Wiggins, who had chosen to concentrate on Thursday's time trial, suffered a mechanical problem while in the hunt for a podium place.
"Nicole didn't have great form coming here so it was always going to be tough for her as defending world and Olympic champion when you haven't got great form," said Brailsford.
"She's been a great servant to us and she'll be back in the future.
"Bradley was on a good ride. He would have definitely got the bronze.
"He's right up there as one of the best time-triallists in the world and he proved that again."
Brailsford was also impressed by the showing of the under-23 men's squad, with Alex Dowsett finishing seventh in the time trial and Peter Kennaugh fourth in the road race.
"That's the third year on the trot we've been in the top four, which shows the good talent coming through to the senior ranks," added Brailsford.
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