Amanda Spratt wins Santos Women's Tour
The Orica-Scott rider took the lead on the first day and became the sixth winner of the Australian race
The former Australian champion won the opening stage and Orica-Scott did a good job to protect the position in the next three stages. "It's a big sense of relief for me now and I am really, really happy to have won," said the rider. "The team were once again incredible today. They had everything covered all race."
"It was our goal to keep this jersey and we have done it, it really was a team effort so I am really happy we have also won the teams classification. I get to step up on the podium with the whole team and that is a really special moment for me," she added.
Even though Spratt has an impressive palmares of road race victories, this is only the second time that she wins a stage race. The first one was the Tour de Feminine Krasna Lipa of the Czech Republic back in 2011.
"It's great to get a tour win, I must say it's a little bit stressful, the general classification business. It took a while to get used to it and has is been an interesting experience. Normally I am the one helping the GC leader and try and calm them down, so I have a new appreciation being in this position now," the rider commented.
This is the third consecutive overall victory for Orica in the Australian race and the team is very satisfied with the result in its home country.
"It’s fantastic for the team to have won this race once again, every year we look forward to this race and every year it gets better," said sport director Gene Bates. "For an Australian team you want to put your best foot forward, it is good for sponsors and the riders are always super motivated to perform well in their home country."
The fourth stage of the Santos Women's Tour was won by Kirsten Wild of Cylance Pro Cycling, who also got the third spot in the overall classification. The podium was completed by Janneke Ensing of Ale Cipollini.