De Riter claims maiden career victory

Victoria's Samantha de Riter (Holden Women's Cycling) has ridden herself into the yellow leaders jersey on day two of the Mersey Valley Tour, the opening event of the Women's Subaru National Road Series (NRS).

De Riter, 24 claimed a solo hilltop victory a top of Bridle Track following a gruelling 80 kilometre road race - notching up her first career win.

"I've never won a race before," de Riter exclaimed. "I was shocked there was a media motorbike next to me, it felt like my coach was next to me when he motor paces me. I thought ‘I can do this', I need to believe in myself."

De Riter took out the blustery road stage ahead of Lisa Keeling (Bicycle Superstore) and Sarah Roy (Team Bike Bug) after riding in the winning break from the 25 kilometre mark.

"Today I was an underdog and no one chased me or expected me to stay away," de Riter explained.

De Riter made a solo break following the first Kimberley Fire Station climb, quickly establishing a sizeable lead before being joined by a chasing group of five riders.

From there the group continued to gain an advantage on the main field, dropping Chloe McConville (Jayco/Apollo/VIS) and Ellen Skerritt (Team Bike Bug) by the 50 kilometre mark.

"In the last 10km I didn't think we were working together very well anymore. "I had a bit of a talk to the girls, I can be a bit bossy sometimes, I wanted to make sure everyone was doing their fair share of work - we had worked so hard all day I didn't want to get caught," De Riter remarked.

De Riter, Roy and Keeling battled it out on the final climb, dropping the final member of the break, Jenelle Crooks (Pensar SPM) on the way to the finish line.

"With 500m to go I got out of the saddle and just went. At the end I couldn't even salute I was so spent."

De Riter holds the tour lead by 17 seconds to Katrin Garfoot (Pensar SPM Racing) and a further 19 seconds ahead of 2012 NRS Champion Ruth Corset (Pensar SPM Racing) before Sunday's final stage, an 87 kilometre road race through Gunns Planes.

Tasmania's Macey Stewart was highest placed rider in the under 19 women's category finishing in 19th place. Madeline Marshall (ACT) crossed the line in 20th place while South Australian Alex Manly was the third highest finisher in 21st place.

Results