Coryn Rivera wins RideLondon Classique with late burst in bunch sprint
By Andy Charles
Last Updated: 30/07/17 8:57am
American sprinter Coryn Rivera's late burst secured victory in the RideLondon Classique.
Saturday's race around the streets of central London was run in torrential rain, although almost all of the field managed to finish and crashes were kept to a minimum.
None of the early breakaways were able to secure a big lead and the field came into the final lap just about all together, preparing for a bunch sprint on The Mall.
Lisa Brennauer (Canyon SRAM) led the field into the closing stages, but she was passed by Lotta Lepisto (Cervelo-Bigla) coming into the final 100m, only for Team Sunweb's Rivera to sweep past in the final pedal strokes.
"I'm absolutely elated - they were not the best conditions but when you've got a goal, you've got to commit and get after it," said Rivera, also victorious in the Trofeo Binda and Tour of Flanders this season.
"I knew I was in the right place and just had to time my sprint correctly - it's a very long sprint so it's a bit deceptive but I went at the right time and pulled it off."
Brennauer's team-mate Hannah Barnes was the best British finisher, but she was unable to find her best form in the bunch sprint and came home in 17th.
