She's twice been crowned Australian road race champion, but Gracie Elvin admits her first-ever European victory is "kind of a big deal".
Elvin fought off mounting pressure in rainy and windy conditions on Sunday to win Belgium's Gooik-Geraardsbergen-Gooik.
The 26-year-old ORICA-AIS rider from Canberra finished the technically difficult 137km race ahead of fellow escapees Ellen van Dijk, the Dutch four-time world champion, and Mayuko Hagiwara of Japan.
She took advantage of her expertise on sharp climbs and cobbles, saying she was pleased to have stayed with the pack despite shaky legs.
"I just kept telling myself all day that I just had to keep going," Elvin said.
"When I attacked, it was during a good moment. When I managed to stay away with Ellen and Hagiwara, I knew we were racing for the win.
"I was really happy with myself today, that I got it right.
"It's my first European win, so it's kind of a big deal for me and I was hoping to get one this year."
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