Amanda Spratt (NSWIS) of Mitchelton-Scott claimed the bronze medal in a stunning women’s road race at the 2019 UCI Road World Championships in Yorkshire on Saturday.

In one of the most incredible individual rides ever seen World Championship history, Dutch powerhouse Annemiek van Vleuten soloed the final 105 kilometres to claim the world champion’s rainbow jersey.

Following an epic battle in the chasing group across a punishing course, Spratt took the bronze behind 2018 world champion Anna Van der Breggen (NED).

“That was epic. It was the hardest race I have ever done. Every part of my body was cramping, my thumb cramping in the end,” said Spratt, who became the first Australian woman to claim two World Championships road race medals after winning silver in 2018.

“I am really proud. I really feel like I have won this bronze medal.”

 

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It was an epic and brutal World Road Race Championship yesterday. Happy and proud of my bronze medal on such a tough course. The best part for me was being able to celebrate with my teammates after I crossed the finish line. I am so grateful for the support from the whole @australiancyclingteam but especially my six teammates out there on the roads yesterday. They set me up perfectly and I’m happy to repay them with this medal. Thanks team ☺️. Special mention as well to the amazing and inspirational @annemiekvanvleuten … what a ride. Such a worthy World Champion and it was special to be able to share the podium with my @mitchelton_scott teammate and friend Casey Gibson • • • • #yorkshire2019 #teamwork #worldchampionships #harrogate #epic #brutal #bronzemedal #happy #thanksteam

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Following her second medal at the past two World Championships, Spratt reflected on her performances.

“I have to pinch myself sometimes because I don’t think of myself as of one of those riders,” Spratt admitted. “But it has happened twice now.

“I have hit my stride last two to three years, and it shows that all the hard work is really paying off. I did put a lot of pressure on myself, but I had excellent preparation.

“I will take a lot of confidence out of this heading towards Tokyo 2020.”

 

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