Ryan Miu / AusCycling
Georgia Baker has sealed a flawless Australian team performance, winning the Commonwealth Games road race at Birmingham 2022, as Ryan Miu of AusCycling reports.
Sarah Roy placed third in the sprint finish to put two Aussies on the podium, no less than what they deserved after controlling the 112km race from start to finish. It was the Victorian rider’s third gold medal at the Birmingham Games after winning two major track events last week.
“It was a real team effort,” Baker said after receiving her latest gold medal. “We had a race plan, it was for me to win, and they executed it so well.
“I wish I could split this in six. It was a real credit to the team, I’m glad I could pull it off for them.”
The 27-year-old, who is from Northern Districts Cycling Club near Launceston, powered home to add the road race gold to her points race victory last week.
“There was a little bit of pressure coming in. We knew that we had one of the strongest teams here,” Baker said.
“The girls did an amazing job covering all the moves, making sure it was a bunch sprint. For them to nail the final lead-out made my ride so easy, I finished with fresh legs and that was the goal.”
She counted herself “fortunate” to be a member of this Commonwealth Games team given the depth of Australia as a cycling nation.
“All these girls are amazing and have great strengths. Within the Women’s WorldTour they’re winning races.
“When we unite and come together, I think it’s something really special,” Baker said.
By Ryan Miu / AusCycling
