The 35-year-old was disappointed with the result after taking strong form into the Tokyo Games.  

At just 21, Great Britain's Thomas Pidcock won the event in 1 hour 25 minutes and 14 seconds. Swiss rider Mathias Flueckiger was 20 seconds back for the silver and Spaniard David Valero Serrano was a further 14 seconds back for bronze. 

McConnell said he had issues with his gears, which forced him to get off his bike on some of the steep uphill sections and he was unable to recover. 

"I guess it was a little disappointing, I had a bit of a problem with my bike throughout the race and it forced me to get off a fair bit on the climbs which isn't great," he said. 

"I was riding decent but I just couldn't put the full laps together and onto the steep stuff I was having trouble with my gears. 

"After the first two laps it was tough trying to make it to the finish really. 

"I think the form was good, that's what makes it more disappointing, but it's been a good week and I've enjoyed it so I've got to look at the positives because there's not too many positives with the race." 

While there are still the world championships to come this season, of more immediate concern to McConnell is returning to the course on Tuesday to support his wife, Rebecca. 

"This was a big goal so it's pretty hard, but I'll have a bit of a break now and hopefully gee up again for the rest of the season," he said. 

"Tomorrow is going to be a big day so I'm looking forward to that as well." 

Rebecca McConnell is racing at her third Olympic Games and if she can reproduce her recent form she will easily exceed her 25th from Rio 2016 and 24th from London 2012.  

Reece Homfray