A super-strong performance from Wiggle High5 Pro Cycling’s Dani King saw the Olympic Champion take third place in the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in Geelong, Victoria. The 25-year-old was forced into a lone chase of solo race leader, Australian Champion Amanda Spratt (Orica-AIS), with Spratt’s teammate Rachel Neylan on her wheel. Having done so much solo work, King was unable to beat Neylan in the sprint for the line, 49 seconds behind Spratt.
Having worked hard for teammate King throughout the race, Wiggle High5 Pro Cycling’s Chloe Hosking won the sprint for fourth place, at the head of a group that also included former Australian Champion Peta Mullens.
“The Wiggle High5 girls were absolutely incredible today but unfortunately Orica-AIS had one up on us,” King admitted afterwards. “I think the pressure was on them today, so fair play to them for pulling it off today.
“I think going forward we have such a strong team,” King continued. “We’re gelling really well and working so well as a team, everyone did their jobs out there today. There wasn’t one person who didn’t leave their legs out there on the road, so I’m really excited about the summer; I’ve come into the year in really good form as my ambition is to make the team for Rio and to help my team as much as possible. I’m very happy to work for my incredible teammates that I’ve got as well.”
The 113km race saw numerous attacks, but only Jessica Allen (High5 Dream Team) and Taryn Heather (Bikebug-NextGen) were able to build a significant advantage. The duo was pulled back, thanks to the efforts of the Wiggle High5 Pro Cycling and Orica-AIS teams, and the race was all together as it entered the final 30km.
More attacks followed, and Hosking managed to get clear with Neylan in what looked like it could be the winning break. A small group formed around the two riders, however, and Spratt was able to take her chance to make her late escape.
With only Neylan for company in the chase, the onus was on King to do all of the chasing, but the Australian Champion was able to hold on to take the victory.
Result
1. Amanda Spratt (Orica-AIS)
2. Rachel Neylan (Orica-AIS)
3. Dani King (Wiggle High5 Pro Cycling)
4. Chloe Hosking (Wiggle High5 Pro Cycling)
Photo Credit: Kirsty Baxter Photography
