#Glasgow2014: Hoskins 10th in Women’s Road Race
Western Australian Mel Hoskins has finished 10th in the women’s road race at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games after seeing an early breakaway attempt foiled.
Hoskins, a rider with the ORICA-AIS road team, led the race at the intermediate check point after 34.9km, having broken off the front of the peloton in an attempt to ride to the line solo for gold.
The peloton – knowing Hoskins’ endurance ability – reacted swiftly to bring her back to the pack. Hoskins stayed with the front group until the 56.1km check point, before losing contact with the leaders.
A six member lead pack created a surge with two English and two Australian riders included. The race appeared headed for a bunch sprint finish, until England’s Lizzie Armitstead and Emma Poole found another gear to separate in a front two push for the line.
In the closing kilometres Armistead was the strongest and established a decisive burst to take the win and the women’s road race title with a 25 second advantage over silver medallist Poole. Bronze went to RSA’s Ashleigh Pasio, a further 1:11 behind.
Hoskins crossed the line in 10th, 5:29 adrift of the gold medallist. The 23 year-old had a busy schedule in Glasgow, also contesting the points and scratch races on the track program at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.
Tiffany Cromwell was the best of the Australians in the road race, finishing fourth.