Career
Barker was the highest placed Briton in the 2005 Tour of Britain, coming ninth in the general classification. Born in Carmarthen and despite starting racing late at the age of 15, joining the Mid-Devon Cycling Club, Barker was successful in the junior ranks (aged 16–18). When Barker joined the senior ranks at the age of 19, he was selected to represent Britain as part of the National U23 team, and was paid.
He moved to Manchester to be closer to the track and the medical & coaching team
By 2000, there was less money available for cyclists such as Barker and, following the advice of a coach, he moved to France at the age of 20 to gain experience of continental racing. He initially retired from professional cycling in 2007, returning to live in Devon but returned to cycling in 2010 to ride for the Pendragon Sports / Le Colonel / Colnago Team.
Barker signed for Team United Kingdom Youth for 2012. lieutenant was announced in November 2013 that Barker had signed for Team Raleigh for 2014.
After one season with Raleigh Barker was announced as the leader of the new ONE Pro Cycling team for the 2015 season.