Elvin solos to stage 3b win at Thüringen Rundfahrt

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Gracie Elvin (Orica-AIS) soloed to her second European victory after a difficult and technical 3b stage with cobbles, complicated by pouring rain and wind. The former Australian road champion attacked within the first 20km of the race, gaining up to a two minutes gap before fending off the chasing peloton for the win. Elvin’s teammate, Emma Johansson won a bunch sprint to finish second, with Lisa Brennauer (Velocio-SRAM) in third.

The one-two victory was a valued result after Orica-AIS had attempted to set up an early breakaway before Elvin jumped once more. Her solo effort lasted for 60km before crossing the line.

“Winning solo is definitely a bit of a dream for a lot of riders, especially when you’ve been away for quite a while,” Elvin said. “Sometimes being on your own is not the best and a bit of a suicide move but they let me go.”

The riders completed four circuits of a technical course, including a cobbled climb. Velocio-SRAM took control of the race in the final kilometres, driving the pace in order to protect the yellow jersey of Brennaeur, but was unable to catch Elvin.

“I love it when it’s a bit like a Classics race, it suites me a lot better,” she said. “I think a lot of girls hate it so you have a double advantage. With a lap to go, I had a good gap. I drove myself into the ground and managed to pull it off.”

Earlier in the day, Brennauer took her second stage win by hundredths of a second ahead of Lauren Stephens (Tibco) in the time trial. The victory moved her back into the yellow jersey that she retained with her third place finish that afternoon.

The race continues Monday with 116 kilometres for stage 4.

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