Nicole Cooke has received a boost ahead of her first senior world road cycling championships in Zolder, Belgium, on Saturday.

Her financially stricken Italian team have returned her bike, which was seized from the roof of the Great Britain truck as it prepared to depart for the continent earlier in the week.

Cooke won the Ronde Van Westerbeek in Holland last weekend on a borrowed bike, but having her own cycle will help her form and confidence.

"It's a big boost because it's made to measure," said Cooke.

"It means I can get the best out of myself."

Team Deia-Pragma-Colnago still owe Wales' Commonwealth gold medallist several months wages, although she has been promised the back pay at the end of the world championships.

Race strategies

Cooke acknowledges that Saturday's race will be a big step up in class and she doesn't count herself as one of the favourites.

A fast and open race is expected on the flat circuit, but the rider from Wick in the Vale of Glamorgan hopes to use a demanding hill 2km from the end of the course to good effect.

"If that gets rid of the pure sprinters then I'll have a good chance," said Cooke.

"If there's quite a small group there'll be opportunities at the finish.

"It'll come down to form on the day and who is able to take their opportunities."