#GC2018 Perfect plan delivers Australia to gold

The Australian women’s team executed their pre-race plan to perfection, with favourite Chloe Hosking taking gold in a bunch sprint to end the 112km women's road race on Sunday. 

​A field of 49 set out for six laps of the 18km picturesque course  which began just after sunrise at the Currumbin Beachfront.

​Australia’s six-rider team of Hosking, Kat Garfoot, Sarah Roy, Shannon Malseed, Gracie Elvin and Tiffany Cromwell drove the pace at the front of the peloton for much of the first half of the race, with a solid effort from Malseed and Elvin to ensure Hosking was protected in the bunch.

---

Savour the moment □□@chloe_hosking, you're a #GC2018 gold medallist □

A brilliant team effort from the □□ Aussies ends in a fantastic sprint victory in the women's road race □@HarveyNormanAU #GC2018 #ShareTheDream pic.twitter.com/vKM5ivw7gy

— 7CommGames (@7CommGames) April 14, 2018

In a nail biting final lap, the Australians held off several challenges, with Cromwell, Garfoot and Roy delivering Hosking in a clinical lead out to the line, which saw Hosking sweep past the front pack and to gold. 

Georgia Williams of New Zealand and Welsh rider Danielle Rowe completed the podium, with Roy and Cromwell in fifth and sixth respectively.

"It's so special to win on home soil ... I'm Commonwealth Games champion and it's a big f---ing deal."

You won't hear a better interview than this.

A truly golden □ performance from □□ @chloe_hosking and the □□ Australian riders. pic.twitter.com/ADbWaMn2lR

— 7CommGames (@7CommGames) April 14, 2018

Hosking had to fight back tears after crossing the line, and credited her five teammates for helping set up her triumph.

"I wish all six girls could have it (gold) on their CV, road cycling is such a cruel sport in that sense and I wouldn't have won today without those girls and I'm so grateful," she said.

The 27-year-old, who placed third in the road race at the 2010 Delhi Games and overcame a serious crash during a race in Europe just two weeks ago, said pride and relief were her over-riding emotions,

"It's so special to win on home soil. People say for road cycling Commonwealth Games isn't that big a deal but you know what? I'm Commonwealth Games champion and it's a big deal.

"I'm so happy and really proud of myself."

What a moment □□@Chloe_Hosking sheds a tear on the podium as the national anthem plays.#GC2018CyclingRoad #ShareTheDream @maccas pic.twitter.com/8PtG9VVwjP

— 7CommGames (@7CommGames) April 14, 2018