Cooke remains heartbroken by her Olympic experience

Cooke, 21, underwent surgery in April to cure a long-standing knee injury, leaving minimal time for preparation.

"I had planned enough time after my operation to get strong, but it was not enough to get right on top of my form," she said.

Cooke came fifth in her best event, the road race, and 19th in the women's individual time trial.

After that disappointment she decided not to compete in the track events and will take a few days off to enjoy watching the Games.

All I can do now is decide what I'd do differently and make sure I learn from it Nicole Cooke

"I don't think the disappointment of the road race is ever going to wear off," said the heart-broken cyclist.

"Going into the race I adopted an all-or-nothing strategy and then when the gold-medal chance had gone and we were riding for the bronze it was almost as if it didn't matter.

"I looked at the time trial as another opportunity to do myself justice and I wasn't been able to do that, but I don't think I could have done more.

"I think that all I can do now is decide what I'd do differently and make sure I learn from it."

Cooke's next target is likely to be the World Championship in Verona in October.